PLASTIC SURGERY

Paul Vanek, MD, FACS

Q: I live in Indiana and found your column online. How can I find an excellent plastic surgeon near me? A: You should first visit abplasticsurgery.org, The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) website. This is a voluntary credential, so many people who perform cosmetic procedures are not certified. ABPS-certified Plastic surgeons must complete years of extensive training and pass comprehensive examinations covering all plastic surgery procedures. They must also maintain this certification. I also recommend verifying that your surgeon is listed at plasticsurgery.org, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website, another voluntary credential. I am proud to also be board certified in General Surgery, and strongly recommend that you seek a surgeon with this credential. I studied and gained experience in General Surgery because I wanted to totally understand the human body, and have competence to perform surgery anywhere on the body, should the need arise. Since many Plastic Surgeons are not board-certified, you can understand how unique it is to be double board certified in both plastic and general surgery. You can verify that your surgeon obtained and maintained this credential at The American Board of Surgery website, absurgery.org. Once you verify your doctor has these credentials to validate their education, knowledge, experience and performance, I suggest you meet the doctor personally, because it is essential that the two of you can effectively communicate. If you feel comfortable with and feel you can trust them, then view their photo gallery of patients who underwent the procedures you desire. A sampling of these may be on their website, but there are likely many more. I would be honored if you consider me as your surgeon. I have satisfied patients from many states and other countries.

Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery 9485 Mentor Ave #100 Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive solutions