San Joaquin - Index

San Joaquin - may08 - Index

2008 TRENDS >
cosmetic trends
what’s
up doc?
HOW TO CHOOSe THe RigHT
PLaSTiC SURgeOn FOR YOUR neeDS
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BeFore You underGo any procedure, it’s important to carefully select the doctor
to perform it. After all, this is the person into whose hands you’re placing your
physical appearance. First and foremost, you should make sure that the doctor is
board-certified to perform cosmetic surgery, and, even better, that they have received
specialized training in the particular part of the body you want to improve.
“Certification in a specific area of the body means that the doctor has even greater
in-depth knowledge and experience in that area than someone in general plastic surgery,”
says robert Gray, Md, FACS, a cosmetic surgeon at Md Spa in Manteca, who
specializes in facial cosmetic surgery.
these days, the internet is an invaluable tool in helping you to shop around. Check
out the websites of your local doctors for information about the procedures they perform,
their qualifications, and to view before and after photos. Shaukat Shah, Md,
of total Body Medi-Spa in Stockton suggests one-on-one research. “talk to other patients
that have been treated by the physician to get a sense of results, and an appreciation
for the post procedure care and follow-up,” says Shah.
once you’ve narrowed down your choices, the next step is the initial face-to-face
consultation. “this is when the surgeon and the patient come together as a single
team,” says Hugh l. Vu, Md, MPH, of Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Stockton,
by “focusing on what best option or technique to use to achieve the goal of the patient.”
during such a session, the patient’s expectations, current health, medications, and
age are discussed, as well as possible risks or complications. From here, a plan of attack
is proposed, including options the patient might not have considered or even been
aware of. After this initial session, you should have a pretty good idea of whether or
not you trust this doctor with your appearance and your well-being.
84 san joaquin magazine maY 15 - JULY 1 2008