How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon
The popularity of cosmetic surgery is soaring, and more and more doctors are trying to meet the demand for this specialty that has become an integral part of mainstream medicine. Any licensed physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon, so the importance of finding a properly trained and certified provider is hugely important.
Choosing a doctor who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the first step. Founded in 1931, ASPS is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only board dedicated to plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Unlike other specialty organizations, ASPS requires each member surgeon to have a minimum of five years of surgical training, with at least two of those years specifically in plastic surgery.
Each ASPS member surgeon:
- Is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Has completed a combination of at least five years of general surgery with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training
- Can only operate in accredited medical facilities
- Must adhere to a strict code of ethics
- Must fulfill continuing medical education requirements including standards and innovations in patient safety
Houston Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta, with offices in Pearland and Houston, Texas, is a triple board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who performs surgery at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Southeast Memorial Hospital, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Memorial City Hospital.
Finding a highly trained, skillful, artistic and board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is also compassionate and truly cares about his patients is no easy task. But, you don’t have to look any further. If you live in the Houston, Texas area and would like to meet such a surgeon, please contact either our Pearland or Houston office today to schedule your initial consultation.
