Choosing A Cosmetic Specialist

In the field of cosmetic surgery it can be difficult and confusing to know who to choose for your cosmetic procedure. The terminology and description of specialists can be confusing. In Canada the majority of cosmetic procedures are performed by specialists for the following groups; Facial Plastic Surgeons, Otolaryngologists Head and Neck surgeons, Plastic surgeons, Dermatologists, Ophthamologists, and Family physicians, maxillofacial surgeons. Each group has its own skill set and training.
Facial plastic surgeons generally are trained first in Otolaryngology and then go on to fulfill the certification criteria to become a certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Generally there practices are focused largely on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery often makes up a focus of facial plastic surgeons practice as they are trained in Otolaryngology first and therefore have knowledge of the nasal function and esthetics. https://www.abfprs.org/ outlines the strict criteria for board certification in facial plastic surgery.
Otolaryngologists Head and Neck surgeons complete a five year surgical training program. There skills include diagnosing and surgically treating diseases of the Face, nose, head and neck region. The specialty training often includes substantial training in Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck cancer surgery. Not all otolaryngologists perform cosmetic surgery. Otolaryngolgists who perform cosmetic surgery generally focus on surgery in the head and neck region.
Plastic Surgeons are physicians trained in Canada complete a five year surgical program. The scope of the training includes areas of skin malignancy, hand surgery, breast reconstruction surgery, microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery. Not all Plastic surgeons perform cosmetic surgery. The scope of practice varies amongst surgeons but frequently includes breast surgery, body surgery, and facial surgery.
Dermatology is a specialty of skin disease. These physicians undergo training in diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. The scope of dermatology practice often includes the cosmetic treatment of the skin. This can include management of aging skin and rejuvenation therapies. Not all dermatologists have a cosmetic practice. Dermatologists may also perform some miner surgical procedures. Some undergo additional surgical training and can perform some surgical procedures generally confined to the skin.
Ophthalmologists are specialists trained in treatment of eye disease and the structures surroundingthe eye. They undergo a five year training program. Some ophthalmologists undergo further training to become sub specialists known as oculoplastic surgeons. These surgeons generally perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery on the structures associated with the eye and surrounding structures.
Family Physicians have completed there medical school training and a residency in family practice. Some of these physicians have pursued practice in the field of cosmetic enhancement. Generally there services are limited to skin care, skin rejuvenation and injectable products. Often these physicians enhance there skills with ongoing education courses.
Maxillofacial surgeons are trained first in Dentistry and then complete a specialization in Oral surgery. This field includes surgical treatment of structures associated with the jaw and maxilla. The nature of orthognathic or jaw surgery is cosmetic and reconstructive in nature.
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Credentials of your physician are important but do not guarantee you a great result. In choosing a physician for a cosmetic procedure ensures you pick someone with the appropriate credentials for the procedure you are having done. Also ask how frequently the physician performs that procedure and if they have any examples of there work. While physicians may show you examples of there best work it is still there work. Be cautious if the physician does not seem comfortable performing the procedure and if the physician has no examples of there work. Just like any other product the skill and talent of each professional varies. As well a Dr may be great at one operation like breast enhancement but hardly ever perform another operation like rhinoplasty. Ideally the physician should be honest with you and if needed refer you to a colleague for any procedure that they do not perform frequently.
Captions
1. Logo of the American academy of facial plastic surgery. Organization that most facial plastic surgeons belong.
2. Logo of the American Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Society Organization that most plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery belong.
3. Canadian laser aesthetic surgery society. Membership in CLASS is exclusive to physicians who have achieved a specialty certification in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, or Ophthalmology. As a patient, you will benefit from the dissemination of knowledge among these groups since CLASS provides its members with the unique opportunity to teach and learn from one another.
Quiz
Q1. What type of surgeon performed the first rhinoplasty surgery?
A. Dr John Orlando Roe an otolaryngologist performed the procedure in 1887.
Q2. Which specialty introduced liposuction?
Answer
1974 .
Liposuction Invented in Rome, Italy by Dr. Giorgio Fischer, a GYNECOLOGIST
1985 .
Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a California Dermatologist, and Dr. Patrick Lillis, another Dermatologist, invent and pioneer the Original (Klein) Tumescent Technique, the safest method known.
Dr. Philip Solomon, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C) completed his medical school training at the University of Toronto and is Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Solomon runs his own Toronto practice and is on surgical staff at York Central, St Michael’s and Etobicoke General Hospitals. He is also on the teaching faculty of the University of Toronto.