The growing popularity of cosmetic surgery means patients have more choices in procedures and doctors than ever before. To help patients make informed decisions about surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, PAMF’s Cosmetic Surgery Department Web site offers advanced information resources including online videos, photo galleries and easy-to-access information on everything from selecting a doctor and procedure to what to expect during recovery.

"As the number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed annually has soared over the past decade, cosmetic surgery is receiving a lot more attention," said Benjamin Maser, M.D., head of the PAMF Cosmetic Surgery Department. "Unfortunately, this often leaves patients confused about the best option for them.

"For example, a person on a television show may have a certain procedure, but the show cannot go into detail about how the surgeon was chosen, which patients the procedure is suited for and what the recovery period involves," he added. "I am hoping that our new Web site will give patients good, solid, reliable information so that they are armed with the right questions to ask when choosing a doctor, and they have a good understanding of the procedures and what is possible through cosmetic surgery."

A key component of the new Web site is a section called "Get the Facts About Cosmetic Surgery." It explains what the most popular cosmetic procedures involve and how patients can check the certifications and qualifications of the doctors and surgical facilities they are considering.

"A doctor does not need to be board-certified in cosmetic surgery to perform these procedures, and we’ve had patients come to us who had a previous procedure with a doctor they thought was a cosmetic surgeon who actually was not," Dr. Maser said.

The site also will help patients determine if they are good candidates for cosmetic surgery, as it is not the right option for everyone, he explained. Galleries of before-and-after photos of real PAMF patients help new patients see what is possible with different procedures and decide if cosmetic surgery meets their needs. In addition, the site features extended biographies and online videos of PAMF’s cosmetic surgeons to allow patients to get a better feel for their personalities and qualifications.

"The relationship you cultivate with your cosmetic surgeon is very important," Dr. Maser said. "There has to be an element of trust there. We have a great group of doctors, and many patients are happy picking any one of us. However, some patients may want a doctor like Steven Bates, M.D., our newest surgeon, who is fresh from learning the latest techniques during his medical education, while others may want a doctor like David White, M.D., who has many years of experience. The important thing is to pick a doctor who is right for you, and our new Web site allows patients to begin to get to know us."

Once patients have visited the Web site, they are welcome to come in and meet the Cosmetic Surgery Department’s staff and doctors in person. Initial consultations are free, and the Department encourages patients to put it to the test using the same stringent criteria it recommends for choosing any cosmetic surgery practice.

"Because cosmetic surgery is elective surgery, patient education is extremely important," Dr. Maser said. "This Web site helps patients make good decisions about their medical care."

To view the PAMF cosmetic surgery Web site, visit www.pamf.org/cosmeticsurgery.