How to Find the “Right” Plastic Surgeon
Check Board Certification: A doctor's board certification is the best indicator of his or her 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. Dr. Grado has been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1987.
Practice Stability: Please consider how long the surgeon has been in their practice setting. Your follow-up care may extend over weeks, months, and years. A surgeon who has not been in one place in practice for any significant length of time may not be able to provide you with your continued care.
Office staff: You should carefully note how you are treated when you call for information. Do the staff people just want your name/address and to get you off the phone? Do they take the time to talk with you about your needs and questions? Do you feel that you are an inconvenience? These people should be helpful and courteous to you. We strive to always remember that you, the patient, are our employer.
Office: You should expect a facility dedicated to your care and not to be seen in a multi-doctor office. Only a facility designed with your care in mind will be set up to provide you with the care and confidentiality you expect and deserve. Our facility is modern and was designed by and built for Dr. Grado. You will not be running into all sorts of people going to see other doctors in the building when you come to see Dr. Grado.
Check Membership: In addition to verifying that your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), it is recommended to check that your surgeon is a member in good standing with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Mid West Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the State Society. Dr. Grado is a member of all of these societies.
Check Facility Accreditation: Cosmetic surgery can safely be performed in a hospital, a surgical center or an office-based surgical facility: Current published data show that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings. However, the majority of office-based surgical facilities are not accredited. Another advantage of selecting an ASPS member surgeon is that they operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities. For your safety, ask about facility accreditation. Dr. Grado only operates in accredited facilities.
Check Hospital Privileges: Before granting operating privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon's training and competency for specific procedures. Wherever the surgery will be performed, be sure that the surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure being considered.
Check Reliable Sources: Asking your primary care doctor for recommendations is a good place to start, and friends may offer suggestions. Often these people have had close contact with the surgeon you are considering and can provide you with an accurate description of their experience.
Check Thoroughness: The consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. It should include a candid discussion of risks as well as benefits of the surgery. Dr. Grado will personally discuss the operation with you as well as what specifics you should note. A thorough consultation also involves a review of medical history including any existing medical conditions. All these factors help the surgeon to custom-tailor the operation to best meet the needs of each patient. Learning from a video or an assistant and not the surgeon is a sign of the care you can expect afterwards.
Check Rapport: Even the most experienced surgeon is not the “right” surgeon for every patient. Any successful relationship depends on good communication. Patient satisfaction is enhanced when surgeon and patient candidly discuss goals, agree on realistic expectations, and plan the course of the surgical journey together. If you do not like your surgeon or feel comfortable, find another surgeon.
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. If considering a “new” technique or technology, patients should inquire whether results substantiating safety and effectiveness have been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Dr. Grado has been in practice here in Cedar Rapids since July 1985.
Check Follow-up Care: Good surgical care does not end with the surgery. Patients should inquire about follow-up visits and about the doctor's policies should surgical revisions be necessary. Your follow-up visits after a cosmetic surgery are included for a year in Dr. Grado’s practice.
Check Cost: You have the right to expect fairly accurate estimates for your care during your procedure. You should expect cost estimates for anesthesia, surgery, implants, and facility fees. Elusive or vague estimates should not be accepted. Patients should note that cosmetic surgery usually is not covered by insurance. At Dr. Grado’s office, we will do our best to provide you with accurate cost estimates.