The Cosmetic Surgery Experience in Santa Barbara, California
What sets our cosmetic surgery practice in California apart is the Santa
Barbara Experience, in which we provide a program of personalized care structured
for each cosmetic surgery patient. Before committing to cosmetic surgery, you will
want to know what to expect at each step of the process. Fortunately the processes
and procedures are well established, because millions undergo cosmetic surgery each year.
For the first time cosmetic surgery patient,
the usual steps are -
- Select a cosmetic surgeon who is certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
- Schedule a consultation with the surgeon.
- Schedule the cosmetic surgery
- Prepare for cosmetic surgery
- Undergo your cosmetic surgery and brief recovery
- Return for several post-operative examinations
Our staff will discuss these steps during the
initial consultation for your cosmetic surgery
experience in Santa Barbara, California. Many
first time cosmetic surgery patients visit us
from other areas, such as Bakersfield and Ventura.
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Perhaps the most important decision you will make is your choice of a
qualified cosmetic surgeon, his operating team, and surgical facilities. Our
cosmetic surgery practice in California is qualified to take care of your needs.
At first, this may seem to be a daunting task. Fortunately the medical profession
has taken steps to help you through the selection process.
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Even with little or no experience in cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, any physician
licensed in California may claim to be a "Plastic Surgeon." Occasionally doctors who are
qualified in a different specialty (such as general surgery, obstetrics, gynecology or
family practice) take short courses (like a weekend in liposuction) so that they can call
themselves "Plastic Surgeons."
For a person considering cosmetic surgery, it
sometimes can be difficult to "sort out" who is
legitimately well trained and who is marginally
trained. Fortunately there are helpful criteria
that one can review. For example, Dr. Buchanan
is a BOARD-CERTIFIED Plastic Surgeon and a member
of these prestigious medical societies:
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With the explosion of medical knowledge, it’s
understandable that no single physician can maintain
expertise in all areas of medicine. In fact, keeping
current on the latest advancements in even one
area of specialization is a challenge. But as
consumers of medical services, how do we know
that a physician is an expert in our area of need?
The medical profession has responded with rigorous
and formal programs to train and certify highly
skilled, specialized physicians – thoracic
surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and
plastic surgeons, among others.
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To become board certified as a Plastic Surgeon,
a physician must undergo several years of additional
educational training after completing medical
school. The usual path is three to five years
of General Surgery residency training, followed
by two to three years of Plastic Surgery residency.
After about two years in practice, the surgeon
must pass rigorous written and oral examination
and testing to become a Board-Certified Plastic
Surgeon. Then he or she can elect to serve all
patients with plastic surgery needs or to further
specialize in reconstructive or cosmetic cases.
The American Medical Association recognizes the American Board of Plastic
Surgery (ABPS) as the only organization authorized to certify Plastic Surgeons.
California cosmetic surgeon David Buchanan has been board-certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery since 1983.
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In many states, century-old laws still allow any physician to solicit and perform
surgeries of any kind. That means unaware patients can and do find themselves under
the knife of an untrained and non-certified physician. Obviously, it is important for
your cosmetic surgeon to be board certified in cosmetic surgery. Additionally, you
should confirm that the anesthesiologist is also certified and that the operating
facility is accredited. Contact
our cosmetic surgery practice in California for a qualified surgeon today.
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When interviewing sources for cosmetic surgery,
ask questions of the surgeon and his staff to
confirm –
- The surgeon is certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) – no substitutes.
You can verify board certification with (ABPS)
or the American Board of Medical Specialties
(ABMS).
- Once you are comfortable with the surgeon’s
credentials, ask his office staff for the name
and credentials of the anesthesiologist for
your procedure.
- If the surgeon operates in a surgical center,
ask the staff about accreditation for the facility.
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The preliminary cosmetic surgery consultation in California at the
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center is an integral part of your
comprehensive care. It is during this meeting that you share your
thoughts and concerns with Dr. Buchanan. He in turn will complete a
thorough examination. By viewing before and after photographs, watching
explanatory video tapes and utilizing the computer imaging system, you and
Dr. Buchanan together can decide which cosmetic surgery procedures are
appropriate.
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The goal of the consultation is to provide information and to answer questions regarding
your desired cosmetic surgery. Dr. Buchanan will explain the risks and possible
complications of your procedure. Photographic documentation is obtained and becomes a
confidential part of your medical record. In order to be prepared for your consultation,
we recommend calling our office in advance and requesting information regarding your areas
of interest. You will be given the opportunity to meet privately with our Practice Administrator
to discuss financial arrangements.
To
schedule a private cosmetic surgery consultation
with Dr. Buchanan at Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery
Center in California, click here.
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Once you have decided that a cosmetic procedure is right for you, there is no better time to schedule
surgery. We believe that the benefits of cosmetic surgery should be made available to those
who seek it. That is why our California practice provides several payment methods to meet the
financial situations of most everyone.
We accept personal and cashier checks or cash,
as well as money orders and most major credit
cards.
There are many sources for loans − private parties, banks, credit cards and loan
companies. Some patients arrange private loans from family, friends
and employers. Others arrange loans from their bank or credit union.
Many credit card companies will increase limits to accommodate surgeries.
Fortunately, low interest rates are making cosmetic surgery in California with
Dr. Buchanan more affordable than ever. As with most medical procedures, payment
must be arranged before surgery is scheduled.
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