How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Gather Names
From friends, doctors, nurses, hospitals, the ASPS hotline (1-800-635-0635), special directories, and advertisements.

Check Credentials

Training:
Have they completed an accredited residency program specifically in plastic surgery?

Board Certification:
Are they certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? The ABPS requires graduation from an accredited medical school and completion of 5 years of additional residency, as well as 2 years of professional plastic surgery experience and passing of comprehensive written and oral exams.

Hospital Privileges:
Do they have privileges to perform your specific procedure at an accredited hospital in this area?

Experience:
Do they perform the procedure frequently or only occasionally, and when did they last perform that procedure?

Membership in Professional Societies:
Some are more meaningful than others – get the exact name of the society and call to find out what the requirements are for membership.

Schedule Initial Consultations
After narrowing list to 2 or 3 physicians, visit each for initial consultations (note: you’ll probably have to pay for these).

• Do they answer your questions thoroughly?
• Do they discuss your motivations and expectations?
• Do they offer alternatives, when appropriate?
• Do they welcome questions about professional qualifications, experience, cost and payment policies?
• Do they make clear the risks of surgery and possible variations in outcome?
• Do they make sure the final decision is yours?

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Common Questions About Surgery

What should I do to prepare for plastic surgery?
You need to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking will inhibit healing and cause an increase in complications. Some foods and many over-the-counter medications and supplements can interfere with your recovery from surgery. You will be given a list of medications and foods to avoid eating prior to surgery. Detailed instructions to prepare for surgery will be given to you as well as home-going orders for after surgery. If there are any questions you can call the office for clarification.

Does it hurt?
During the procedure, the patient is given anesthesia to eliminate pain. There should be no discomfort during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort, but this is only temporary. Pain medication will be prescribed and if used properly it will minimize your discomfort.

Are there going to be scars?
Dr. Rosato will attempt to minimize visible scars. However, all surgery will leave a scar.

How long is my recovery after surgery?That depends on the type of surgery you undergo. Most patients return to normal daily activities in less than a week. Of course everyone is different and some people have a longer recovery. Stitches are removed in 5 to 10 days. Driving is permitted after you no longer require pain medication. You should expect to return to normal activity within 6 weeks.

How long will I be under Dr. Rosato’s care?
Follow-up visits are included in the cost of surgery. When you are recovered from surgery Dr. Rosato will release you from his care. Breast augmentation patients are followed yearly to monitor the status of the implant.

Is Dr. Rosato Board Certified?
Yes, the American Board of Plastic Surgery has certified Dr. Rosato. After completing a 5-year general surgery residency at St. Louis University, he was certified by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Rosato also holds the first certificate of Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand in Indian River County. The Rosato Plastic Surgery Center is the first state of Florida – licensed Ambulatory Surgery Center, devoted exclusively to Plastic Surgery, in Indian River County.

Is Dr. Rosato Qualified?
Dr. Rosato completed his Plastic Surgery training at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in 1992. He has surgical privileges at Indian River Memorial Hospital to perform plastic surgery. He is also Chief of the division of Plastic Surgery at IRMH. He is a member of many local and national medical societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgery and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Is surgery guaranteed?
Medicine is not an exact science. No guarantees can be given.
Dr. Rosato’s experience and superb education have resulted in many happy patients. Dr. Rosato and his staff are committed to giving the best care possible.

Cost?
Insurance or Medicare does not cover cosmetic surgery because it is not considered medically necessary. You will be quoted a price for your surgery after your initial consultation. Due to a delay in insurance payments, Dr. Rosato does not accept all private insurance coverage. You will be expected to pay for medical care at the time of service. The business office will assist you in submitting your claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.

How is surgery paid for?
The office accepts local checks, cash, as well as Visa, Master Card, and Discover credit cards.
Financing is available from local banks.