In this world where youthfulness, health, and beauty are not just a growing fad, but a way of life, greater numbers of people are having cosmetic surgery. They have embraced these elective procedures as a way to either postpone the aging process or refine a body part to enhance their overall appearance. Having elective plastic surgery is more widely accepted as the norm. It is less expensive (relative to income) than it was 5-10 years ago and with newer techniques and technology both surgery and anesthesia are faster and easier to recover from. This means less downtime for the active lifestyle of the typical cosmetic surgery candidate.
Annually, more than one million Americans undergo cosmetic surgery. Because of its growing popularity and because the patient pays the physician directly (cutting out third-party payers), many different types of doctors claim to be experts in cosmetic surgery. Believe it or not, a physician who has a legitimate medical degree is legally permitted to practice any specialty, including plastic surgery, whether or not they have formal training. Many market themselves aggressively. But self-promotion does not guarantee that they possess advanced skills or even basic competence in the specialty.
Of the more traditional operative procedures which are commonly performed in a surgery center or hospital, liposuction, and rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping) are the most commonly performed nationwide. These types of procedures often require heavy sedation or full general anesthesia, both of which require the use of an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist’s services. Other commonly performed procedures today are breast augmentation, face and brow lifting, eye lifting (blepharoplasty), and laser resurfacing of the skin. Sometimes the doctor may perform these procedures in their office to save you money. However, be aware that they may be performing surgery in their office because a properly credentialed surgery center and/or hospital may not allow that particular “surgeon” to perform those procedures in those facilities. They may deem that the “surgeon” is unqualified to perform those kinds of procedures.
Dr. Epstein and Dr. Martin are on staff at many highly qualified and fully credentialed hospitals in the Chicago land area. While they have privileges to perform surgery at those hospitals they choose to perform procedures at the Northbrook Plastic Surgery facility almost exclusively and it is done there to make your surgical experience more confidential, more convenient, and more affordable. Additionally, they can better ensure that your surgery will be done safely and that your experience is comfortable.
When one is interested in having a cosmetic surgical procedure there are some guidelines one should follow.
- Do your homework! Try to learn as much about the operation as you possibly can (expected results; ask for pre-operative and post-operative pictures, recovery time period, potential risks or complications, etc.).
- When price shopping, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some people will not give you total fees, only surgeon’s fees and then you find out later that there is an anesthesia fee, facility fee, lab fee, garment fee, etc..
- Above all, know your surgeon. Is he/she a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? Don’t just ask if the doctor is board certified. You want to know that they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Is he/she a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the Aesthetic Society? If you would want to check, go to www.abplsurg.org
To be clear, there is no recognized board of cosmetic surgery! Also note that there are some other types of boarded doctors which are qualified to perform some of the operations in which we are discussing, i.e.: a doctor boarded by the American Board of Otolaryngology may be perfectly qualified to perform your rhinoplasty but should that doctor be performing your facelift or breast enhancement?
Above all make sure the doctor who is performing your surgery and post-operative care is, in fact, a surgeon. Believe it or not, there are general practitioners, obstetricians, dermatologists, and internists who are claiming to be “cosmetic surgeons”. One easy way to check on your doctor’s credentials is to contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) at www.plasticsurgery.org or 1-847-228-9900. This is an excellent source of qualified referrals.
Are you considering an Elective Surgery?
When it comes to your health, there’s no room for chance or uncertainty, especially when it comes to elective surgeries. That’s why you must consider the exceptional credentials and expertise of Dr. Epstein or Dr. Martin as your trusted solution. At Concierge Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, our surgical team stands out among the best in the field, boasting an impressive track record of successful elective surgeries and countless satisfied patients.
With extensive training and experience, Dr. Epstein and Dr. Martin possess the skills necessary to deliver outstanding results while prioritizing your safety and well-being. By choosing Dr. Epstein or Dr. Martin, you can have peace of mind, knowing that you are in the hands of a highly qualified and caring surgeon. Don’t leave your elective surgery to chance; entrust your masterpiece to our top docs and experience the difference expertise can make.
Meet Dr. Martin, Our Expert in All Areas of The Body 
Dr. Martin is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who truly loves enhancing her patients’ self-image and confidence with personalized, natural results.
Her goal is to establish a strong relationship with each patient, listening to their concerns and creating a detailed, customized treatment plan to optimize each patient’s outcome. Dr. Martin is committed to helping you discover the best surgical option to achieve the results you are looking for. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Martin completed medical school and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at University of Missouri, where she was awarded Outstanding Student in Plastic Surgery. While in one of the most competitive integrated residency programs, Dr. Martin participated in multiple research projects, including the development and implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for breast surgery patients, improving their pain while minimizing use of narcotics, providing patients with the best post-surgical care.
Dr. Martin’s interests outside of plastic surgery include her pets, cooking, home improvement projects, traveling, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
