Thinking of Plastic Surgery in Florida?

Let’s get honest. You are feeling a bit like you need a bit of updating. You need some work done. And while you aren’t so old school that you wouldn’t tell anyone, you’d like not to have to discuss it with everyone.

The solution? A “vacation” in Florida where you visit a plastic surgeon. Even more than California, Florida is the world capital of plastic surgery and dermatology. Between the sun, the trophy wives and the glamour of all things superficial, Florida is the place to come.

What are the steps?

1. First, ask yourself the question. Do I really need this? Or are there other issues of self-esteem or psychology that are REALLY the problem. A good reference book on the issue is the late Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who in the 1960s wrote the self-help book Psycho-Cybernetics. While he would treat patients for deformities, many other patients’ fears about their looks were overblown, and he resisted surgery. Cognitive behavioral therapy and a change in attitude made for just as much improvement as surgery in many cases.
2. Go to an M.D. who is a plastic surgeon. If you want an operation, you will certainly want someone who is not only a medical doctor, but has specific training in plastic surgery. A dermatologist is also an option, especially for minor non-surgical treatments like Botox. While patients could certainly be safe with a dentist who does some facial work, a dentist’s training is different than an M.D. Not all “Doctors” are Medical Doctors.
3. The Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgeons has a great website, with info on procedures for the face. They also have a directory physician references as well as advice on procedures, all at www.fsfprs.org.
4. When looking online, don’t forget to check with the state of Florida. You can verify credentials online at Florida Board of Medicine, (888) 419-3456 or www.doh.state.fl.us
5. Find a physician through membership societies. For instance, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a list of the over 400 Florida physicians who are members of their society. See www.plasticsurgery.org.
6. Check major insurance plans. And no, the old “deviated septum” excuse won’t work. Why? You will want a physician who is on at least some of the major plans. Participation in a big plan indicates an interest in actual medical procedures, and not just Beverly Hills stuff.
7. The surgeon should be board certified. Look at the American Board of Medical Specialties online guide to plastic surgery at www.ambs.org.
8. Don’t just take the AMBS recommendation. You will want to look at some independent sites.
9. Consider WHERE you want to have it done. Certainly, areas like Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the like have excellent practices, and the most are in South Florida. But the Gulf Coast  (Tampa, Sarasota, Naples) has excellent doctors too, perhaps at a less hurried pace. And don’t forget to look in Orlando, Vero and Jacksonville.
10. Ask your home physician. The medical field is still small, and you can usually get a reference from your local physician. He might have a classmate who is a plastic surgeon, or might know the right person to call. MD’s take these references VERY seriously and asking them for one is an “old school” way to get the best.
11. Ask about where to stay nearby during recovery. You will want a cozy hotel that is near to your physician office, yet not so close that you feel like you are on JUST a medical vacation.
12. Consider NOT doing plastic surgery. Perhaps you just feel tired, or you have gained weight and clothes don’t fit. Or work is stressful. These sorts of things will make you feel older; perhaps a good week’s vacation in Florida WITHOUT surgery might be the ticket.
13. When you narrow it down, look at their websites carefully. While you don’t need to look for a website that is too slick (and not all good MDs have them), a physician’s attention to detail shows everywhere.
14. Stay away from crackpots. And regular docs can be crackpots. We know of one Gulf Coast doctor who does “female section” fix ups, so women can look like porn stars. Not that this person can’t do some wrinkle removal, but do you really want someone who does these sorts of things working on you?
15. When you get to their office, does it fell right? Is there good Ju-Ju? This doesn’t mean an office should be slick, only that staff and overall atmosphere MATTER.