Atlantic - Eye - How to choose a cosmetic surgeon?

How To Choose A Qualified Cosmetic Surgeon?

Hi! I’m Dr. Ronald Kristan. I appreciate this opportunity to provide you with information to help choose a qualified surgeon.

I’m a Board Certified Physician with over 15 years experience performing cosmetic eyelid rejuvenation. I have been a member of the prestigious American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeons for over 13 years. I have served as President of the New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology. And in that time I’ve learned that picking a surgeon is a matter of confusion. That is the reason I provide this patient education message so that when you select a surgeon to perform ant cosmetic procedure, you can make an informed decision.

In just a moment, I’ll share with you valuable recommendations and critical questions you need to ask any surgeon before agreeing to let him or her perform any cosmetic procedure on you.

Please feel free to speak to me personally any time.

Question #1
What, if any, board certifications does the doctor have?

In addition to my residency in Ophthalmology, I completed a Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. I am certified by the Board of Ophthalmology, and American Board of Eye Surgery and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – American College of Surgeons.

Question #2
How long has the doctor been performing these procedures?

Experience does help. And you will want to pick a doctor who has performed the procedure more then a handful of times.
Since 1984, I’ve performed over one thousand major eyelid rejuvenation procedures and over two thousand minor eyelid procedures.

Question #3
Can you look at typical “before” and “after” photos?

Choosing a doctor on experience and qualifications is important but it’s more important to see their results. One good way is to look at a “before and after” book full of pictures.
Carefully scrutinize the photos to see for yourself what results the doctor gets. Also be sure to check the amount of time that has passed between each picture.

Question #4
Can you speak with an actual patient who has had the procedure done?

Happy patients are key to a successful procedure. If you can speak with actual patients then you’ll find out about any pain or discomfort they went through. How long the recovery process was. And of course whether or not they would go through it again. An actual patient can give you their real life experience and help you decide.

Question #5
If the procedure is to be done in an outpatient center or an office, is the facility Medicare certified, state certified or certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care?

If a facility is certified by one or more of these organizations it means there is strict adherence to safety, operational, management and sterilization procedures.
Our state of the art Ambulatory Surgery Center is Medicare approved and has passed the rigorous accreditation of the State of New Jersey.

Summary

When you decide to have a cosmetic procedure done, it is very important to realize what can and what cannot be done. By educating yourself on the particular procedure you are considering, you will have a better idea of the limits and possibilities available. By being realistic in your expectations, there will not be any disappointment. If you are hoping for a miracle, it won’t happen. It is far better to ask exactly what you can expect then to assume how it will turn out.

However, from my experience most patients are quite happy and excited with their results. They will come back after having procedures done and tell me how much more confident they feel and more self-assured.

Remember that cosmetic surgery is a very personal decision and nobody can make the choice for you. I hope I’ve given some valuable information that will assist you in making the right choice.

I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I will share with you my personal philosophy about cosmetic eyelid rejuvenation.

Sincerely,

Ronald W. Kristan, M.D.
Ronald W. Kristan, M.D. FACS
Oculoplastic Surgeon