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CHOOSING A SPECIALIST

As in any major decision, your choice of plastic surgeon is of utmost importance. There are many doctors who offer plastic surgery but who have not gone through the necessary training to become a plastic surgeon. They may call themselves doctors in ‘aesthetic medicine’, ‘aesthetic surgeon’ or other such similar term that refers to a non-existent specialty. Even more confusing, if a doctor calls himself a ‘facial plastic surgeon’, it does not necessarily mean that he/she is a plastic surgeon.

You should verify that your surgeon is indeed a certified plastic surgeon since only this will ensure that you will receive ethical, state-of-the-art treatment.

In Canada, certification exams are given by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a member carries the title of Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or FRCS(C) in abbreviated form. In Quebec, the Collège de Médecins du Québec administers a separate exam, which gives a Certificat de Spécialiste de la Province du Québec in Plastic Surgery. You may contact these organisations to verify that your surgeon is indeed a qualified plastic surgeon and to ensure that he/she has completed a minimum of 5 years of training in a plastic surgery residency program.

Do not get confused with other titles that seem similar to this certification. For example, the title of ‘Aesthetic Surgeon’ or even the abbreviations FRCS – CSPQ on a medical prescription or business card does not indicate certification in Plastic Surgery. Remember that all specialists have these abbreviations (e.g. dermatology, ENT, cardiology). Even more incredible, in Canada, all doctors (including family physicians) with or without any surgical training can legally practice interventions in aesthetic surgery. When contacting the certification board, ask specifically if your surgeon is a plastic surgeon.

It becomes obvious why the certification in plastic surgery is of capital importance. If you doubt the competency of your surgeon, you should ask if your physician has the Specialist Certification in Plastic Surgery with the following organizations:

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC)
The Collège des Médecins du Québec
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (Board Certified)

After verifying the credentials of your Plastic Surgeon, you should arrange an initial appointment to be informed of your surgical options. Together you will determine the areas that need surgical treatment and discuss the safest possible alternatives and solutions in order to obtain the best result. Do not hesitate to ask for clarifications, express any concerns, or inquire about the possible risks associated with surgery. In summary, it is important for you as the patient to be happy with your physician and thus be able to make an informed decision.

The quality of the surgical result depends on the plastic surgeon selected. It is important from your first consultation to choose a good surgeon specialized in Plastic Surgery, who has the certification required by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC).

In our clinic, our plastic surgeons are:

  • Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery,
  • Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Posses the ‘Certificat de Spécialiste de la Province du Québec’ in Plastic Surgery.

Our plastic surgeons have completed three certification exams in two countries. They will listen to your concerns, evaluate your expectations and advise you according to the highest standards of patient care and surgical excellence.

Our Plastic Surgeons make an emphasis on establishing a solid doctor-patient relationship that will help guide the patient through the entire surgical process. Our surgeons are involved in each step: the initial consultation, the surgical procedure, and the postoperative care.