Dr. Chris Saunders uses this phrase for different important concepts related to cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. For example, he will use this expression to help Delaware cosmetic surgery patients or Pennsylvania cosmetic surgery patients choose breast implant size before cosmetic breast enlargement. It involves looking at breast photos and doing the “Rice Test” to give a person a better understanding of breast sizes before cosmetic breast augmentation. (Please see the section under “procedures” and also the blog on choosing breast implants for extensive discussion.) Dr. Saunders also talks about how to “Do Your Homework” in reference to learning different choices or options about abdominal plastic surgery. For example, the choice of doing cosmetic liposuction or a cosmetic tummy tuck should be learned. Or should a mini tummy tuck be done? A thorough discussion of the operations will give the patient a better understanding about the plastic surgery procedures. This will enable them to pick the correct procedure for them.
But Dr. Saunders, also wants his patients to “Do Your Homework” when it comes to learning about different doctors who do cosmetic surgery and their different training. Not all doctors are trained equally! Did you know that a doctor can advertise about cosmetic liposuction surgery or cosmetic face lift surgery and be board certified in Family Medicine or Dermatology? Most people want a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon! Did you know that cosmetic surgery is not a recognized specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties? Cosmetic surgery is a specialty “within” Plastic Surgery and is not a separate board. Confused?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons had a recent national advertising campaign to educate people about the facts. It helps people learn about different surgeons who do cosmetic surgery. The focus is on the advantages and safety of board certified Plastic Surgeons. Some doctors (not plastic surgeons) actually learn how to do liposuction at a weekend course! Yes, this is true. They take a coarse that might be called Liposuction 101. They are board certified in some other specialty and then advertise as a cosmetic surgeon. This is legal! It can be horribly misleading. A major medical study showed this type of poor training can definitely be associated with higher complications. Many patients do not understand how different medical specialties are trying to do cosmetic surgery or open a cosmetic med spa to make money. Most patients actually want a board certified plastic surgeon to be their surgeon and do not like being mislead.
Dr Saunders encourages his patients to learn about their doctors. To “Do Your Homework”!! Did you know that Dr. Saunders went to school and surgery training for 16 years starting with undergraduate at Duke University! That is a long time! His training in plastic surgery was extensive, and he trained for almost a decade at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. That’s a lot more than a weekend coarse. He is considered an expert in cosmetic surgery, which he exclusively practices.
When looking for a cosmetic surgeon, a patient should specifically ask is the doctor board certified in plastic surgery. If he is, then the patient knows and can trust that he has extensive and thorough knowledge of plastic and cosmetic surgery!
Dr. Saunders is a board certified plastic surgeon who practices exclusively cosmetic surgery in Delaware and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Please check out the before and after photos on our web site. Also, please come in for a complimentary consultation to learn about your choices and options!