Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Before you select a surgeon, it is very important for you to ensure that you are making the best choice for you. Following are some questions you should ask any plastic surgeon, before you commit to becoming his or her patient. To make it easy for you, we have filled in Dr. Lichten’s answers to these questions.

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Yes, I have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 2006.

Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?

Yes. After completing a full five-year general surgery residency, I then completed a plastic surgery residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?

I had two years of formal training at The Ohio State University. I have kept up with the rigorous Continuing Medical Education Requirements set forth by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons since my graduation in 2005. I have been in private practice since 2005.

What is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? Are you a member? Why does that matter?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a professional society. Membership must be approved by other plastic surgeons after meeting baseline criteria. The ASPS requires that its members are board eligible or board certified, have completed minimum training requirements and keep up to date through annual continuing medical education requirements. The ASPS also imposes a strict code of ethics on its member plastic surgeons. I have been an active member of the ASPS since 2005.

Do you have hospital based privileges to perform my procedure?

Yes, I have privileges at both Fairfield Medical Center and Mt. Carmel East Hospital to serve both my Lancaster and Columbus patients.

Are the operating rooms where you practice accredited by a national or state-recognized accrediting agency?

Yes, both hospitals are accredited.

Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

During your consultation, we will talk about your areas of concern and your goals. Based on a variety of factors, including your lifestyle, smoking habits, goals and budget, I will recommend what I believe to be the best course of action to achieve the results you are looking for.

What will be expected of me to get the best results?

The best advice I can give you is to follow the post op instructions you are given. To ensure your best results, you will need to limit your activity, including lifting and exercise for a period of time. In addition, if you smoke, it is critical that you stop for at least four weeks before and after surgery. Smoking inhibits wound healing and makes it harder for the body to recover from surgery. Each surgery will have its own requirements, which we will discuss in detail at your consult and preoperative appointments.

Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

You can see before-and-after photos by clicking here and I have additional photos in the office. Although these photographs can give you a sense of what surgery can do to improve someone’s body, it is important to realize, however, that everyone’s body, exercise regimen and diet are different, so everyone’s results are different.