Posted by LawtonMD on January 26, 2016
People choose plastic surgery to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence — and it all starts with having confidence in your surgeon.
Dr. Tenley Lawton is board-certified and has immaculate credentials. She has earned a doctorate at Wayne State University School of Medicine, specialized in general surgery at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and completed fellowships in plastic surgery at Providence Hospital and Medical Center and under world-renowned Dr. Ian Jackson at The Craniofacial Institute in Detroit.
But having confidence in your plastic surgeon is about more than credentials. It’s about trust, and the relationship you build together. Here are some questions Dr. Lawton recommends you ask before selecting a surgeon:
Are they board-certified?
Doctors who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have 3-5 years of general surgical experience, as well as 2-3 years of training in plastic surgery. They undergo a rigorous testing and certification process, so you can be assured you’ll receive superior service and achieve the best possible results. Any doctor can legally perform plastic surgery procedures, but without this certification, you won’t know whether they are qualified to perform them to industry standards.
What is their record?
Your state’s medical board can provide records that show any disciplinary actions taken against a surgeon or whether they have faced legal issues. This is incredibly important, no matter what certifications the surgeon has.
Are they allowed to practice at a hospital?
If you experience complications during your procedure, your surgeon should be with you at the hospital — which requires them to have hospital privileges. Because hospitals do extensive background checks on providers, not granting privileges can indicate a serious issue with a plastic surgeon’s skill or qualifications.
Will they show you before and after pictures?
A good plastic surgeon should have plenty of before and after pictures from procedures, they have performed, and be completely honest with you about what you see in them. Viewing their previous work should give you confidence in their skill level.
Do you feel comfortable with them?
During your consultation, the plastic surgeon should make you feel at ease, answering your questions and educating you about the procedures you’re considering. You are trusting them with your most precious asset — your body — so if you do not feel comfortable, for any reason, seek another provider.
Dr. Lawton welcomes these questions, along with any others her patients have. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon who brings knowledge and compassion to each procedure, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.