If you suffered significant scarring or disfigurement from a Cedar Rapids dog bite, you may be considering reconstructive plastic surgery. However, plastic surgery is a big step. We’ve all seen pictures of celebrity plastic surgery gone wrong. You know you can’t afford a celebrity plastic surgeon. How do you know that you’ll get good results?
You need a plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive surgery. Our Cedar Rapids dog bite attorneys offer these tips for finding a qualified reconstructive surgeon for your Iowa dog bite injuries:
Get recommendations. Cedar Rapids may not be Hollywood, but there are plenty of plastic surgeons to choose from. Ask your family members, friends, physician and nurses for recommendations.
Check the plastic surgeon’s credentials. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) requires all members to meet certain minimum qualifications. Make sure that any plastic surgeon you choose is certified by the APBS. The American Board of Medical Specialties does not recognize other certifying agencies.
Make sure the surgeon is skilled in reconstructive surgery. Every plastic surgeon has a specialty. You do not want to have reconstructive surgery on your face performed by a doctor whose expertise is breast enhancement.
Schedule a consultation. It is a good idea to meet the doctor before scheduling any work. This gives you a chance to learn about the doctor and the procedure. If you feel uncomfortable, find another doctor.
Ask questions. The consultation offers an opportunity to learn more about the doctor’s qualifications. Here are some questions to ask:
- What is your background?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Do you have a specialty?
- Have you ever treated an injury like mine?
- May I see before and after pictures?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Are there other options?
- How many surgeries do you perform each year?
- Who will administer the anesthesia?
- What can I expect during the surgery?
- How long will it take to recover?
- Are there any risks or possible complications?
If something doesn’t feel right, get a second opinion.
Worried about paying for reconstructive surgery? Our Cedar Rapids dog bite lawyers help Iowa dog bite victims get the compensation they need to cover their medical expenses. Contact Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678.
