Q: Should I consider cosmetic surgery?
A: Cosmetic surgery is really about the emotions of self-satisfaction and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery can help you feel better about yourself. It does not matter if friends or relatives agree with your feelings about a specific physical feature. It is your own assessment that matters.

The objective of cosmetic surgery is to minimize or eliminate a problem area so a person can focus on life. After surgery, a person who might otherwise have been preoccupied with the problem area can be more comfortable with him or herself and encounter life with greater self-confidence. There is no single right time to have cosmetic surgery. It should be considered when you feel that a potential improvement in how you feel and look is worth the time and cost required.

Q: Is there a right age to have cosmetic surgery?
A: There is no ideal age to have cosmetic surgery. The time to have an elective procedure is when the desired change will justify the time, effort and cost involved. It is not uncommon for different people to have procedures performed at different ages because of individual needs. Another factor to take into consideration is the potential length of time to enjoy the benefits of cosmetic surgery. For example, if an individual has a facelift early in life, the benefits of this surgery can be enjoyed for a greater period of time.

Q: How should I choose a plastic surgeon?
A: Most people have heard they should look for a "board certified" plastic surgeon when planning cosmetic surgery. However, it is important that your plastic surgeon be certified specifically by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Physicians who describe themselves as facial plastic surgeons or are certified by any of the boards listed below are not certified by the ABPS.

At The Centre, P.C., we have gone to great lengths to ensure the highest quality care for our patients and, therefore, the highest standard of safety by providing you with ABPS-certified surgeons.

Q: What does it mean when a physician is board certified?
A: The American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) has approved 24 subspecialty boards out of the hundreds that apply. Plastic surgery is one that has met the ABMS's strict examination and qualification criteria. Plastic surgery has one of the most difficult and intensive certification processes within all the subspecialties. A word of caution: certification by any other board does not offer the same strict criteria for certification; in some cases, physicians can receive certification by simply paying a fee. A few of the boards which have not been approved by the ABMS are:

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Esthetic Surgery, Dermatologic Surgery, and Opthalmic Plastic Surgery, to name a few.

To be properly certified by the ABPS, the surgeon must spend at least two years in an approved plastic surgical residency. When in practice for at least one year, the surgeon must pass both written and oral examinations to be considered for the prestigious distinction of being called a board certified plastic surgeon.

To check if a cosmetic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, call the ABMS at 800-776-2378.

Q: How can I pay for my plastic surgery?
A: Cosmetic surgery can significantly improve the quality of life. It is not just for the wealthy, even though it may be a luxury. People from all occupations are considering it as an affordable investment in themselves. Payment is made in advance of the surgery so you have less to feel anxious about. We offer options for financing, such as referrals to local lending institutions. Some clients choose to take advantage of their VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card to charge some or all of their surgery costs. At The Centre, P.C., we assist you in evaluating and selecting the best financial route for you.

Contact our plastic surgeons to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

ASPS ASAPS AAAASF