Choosing A Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is essential for achieving safe, natural-looking, and satisfying results. We outline the top qualities to look for to ensure you’re in the best hands.

How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon For You

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the only national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery, offers guidelines for patients on how to find the “right” cosmetic plastic surgeon, as listed below:

Choosing your Surgeon

How to Find the “Right” Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon

Check Board-Certification

A doctor’s board certification is the best indicator of their training in a particular medical or surgical specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery.

Check the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, or ASAPS, Membership

ASAPS membership ensures that a doctor is not only ABPS-certified (or, in Canada, certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) but also has significant experience in cosmetic surgery. ASAPS membership is by invitation only.

Check Facility Accreditation

Cosmetic surgery can safely be performed in a hospital, a surgical center, or an office-based surgical facility. Another advantage of selecting an ASAPS member is that all ASAPS surgeons operate in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified facilities.

Check Hospital Privileges

Before granting operating privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon’s training and competency for specific procedures.

Check Reliable Sources

Asking a patient’s primary care doctor for recommendations is a good place to start, and friends may offer suggestions, but the surgeon’s board certification should always be verified independently by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Check Thoroughness

The plastic surgery consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. It should include a candid discussion of the risks and benefits of the surgery. A thorough consultation also involves a review of medical history, including any existing medical conditions. All these factors help the surgeon custom-tailor the operation to best meet the needs of each patient.

Check Rapport

Patient satisfaction is enhanced when the surgeon and patient candidly discuss goals, agree on realistic expectations, and plan the course of the surgical journey together.

Check Experience

Experienced aesthetic plastic surgeons generally perform a wide range of cosmetic surgeries on a regular basis. Patients should ask about the surgeon’s experience with the particular procedure being considered.

Check Follow-up Care

Good surgical care does not end with the surgery. Patients should inquire about follow-up visits, doctor’s policies, and surgical revisions if necessary.

Check Cost

Keep in mind that costs may vary considerably depending on geographic region, surgeon experience, and individual patient factors. Patients should note that cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by insurance. Learn more about how to compare different surgical quotes with our guide to understanding each part of your estimated cost.

Why Choose Dr. Nick Slenkovich?

Dr. Slenkovich is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver with years of experience performing sophisticated procedures for the face, breast, and body. Proud of his reputation as one of the leading Denver plastic surgeons, he regularly attends continuing education classes and seminars to remain abreast of the latest developments in the field of plastic surgery. This commitment allows Dr. Slenkovich to use leading-edge techniques and technologies when performing procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast augmentation in Denver.