How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon - Bismarck, Fargo, North Dakota

Making the decision to have plastic surgery can take a lot of time, energy, and tears. There are many important choices you will have to make before your surgery, including which procedure is best for you, where you should have the surgery performed, and, most importantly, which plastic surgeon will perform your surgery.

The most important thing to us is that you are comfortable and confident with your decision to have surgery. That means choosing a plastic surgeon who is experienced and knowledgeable, and who will listen to all of your concerns, aspirations, and apprehensions. Plastic surgeon Rick Paulson would be extremely honored to have you select our Bismarck practice for your surgery; however, we want to make sure you have the appropriate tools to make a well-informed decision. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a plastic surgeon.

Does the Plastic Surgeon Have the Appropriate Training?

When choosing a plastic surgeon, the first thing to verify is the doctor’s training. You should check to see if the plastic surgeon trained in an accredited program. Proper training for a plastic surgeon includes three or four years in general surgery and two years in a plastic surgery training program.

Is the Plastic Surgeon Board Certified?

The next thing you should find out is whether or not your plastic surgeon is board certified and by whom. When choosing a plastic surgeon, you should look for a doctor that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties and certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and the body. Our own plastic surgeon, Dr. Rick Paulson, is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

For a plastic surgeon to become board-certified, he or she must have graduated from an accredited medical school, completed a combination of at least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency, and passed comprehensive oral and written exams.

Plastic surgeons must also attend continuing medical education courses and follow a strict code of ethics.

Is the Plastic Surgeon Licensed?

In order to treat patients, a doctor must have a license in the state in which he or she practices medicine. Plastic surgeon Rick Paulson is licensed by the state of North Dakota to practice medicine and surgery.

Do I Like the Plastic Surgeon?

Although researching the credentials and certification of the plastic surgeon is important, perhaps the biggest factor in your decision is whether or not you like the doctor. You need to choose someone who will answer all of your questions and who you trust. Remember, having plastic surgery can be a very personal and anxious time; it is imperative that you chose a plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable discussing personal issues.

Plastic surgeon Rick Paulson believes the most important bond between doctor and patient is trust. Your confidence in our staff is our greatest reward. You can be sure that if you choose us for your plastic surgery care, we will treat you with the utmost respect and compassion as we join you on your journey to a whole new you. If you live in Bismarck, North Dakota, or surrounding areas such Fargo or Minot, contact us today to arrange a free cosmetic consultation with plastic surgeon Rick Paulson.

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