FOR PATIENTS

THE CHOICE OF SURGEON – CRITERIA FOR YOUR SAFETY

Every operation or procedure harbours risks. Especially in the field of aesthetic surgery, which often involves desired but unnecessary procedures. Creating trust and feeling that they are in good hands is fundamental for many people when undergoing surgery.

Unfortunately, however, today any doctor can be declared a cosmetic surgeon. This is because in Germany there is no protection for the titles “cosmetic surgeon” or “aesthetic surgeon”. Accordingly, there are many surgeons available if you want to have corrections made to your body without medical necessity. But be careful: If it says “cosmetic surgeon” on the label, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are a professional doctor.

You can recognise an experienced, “real” specialist by the title “Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery”. Only these officially recognised titles give you the assurance that you are in expert hands. Therefore, don’t be impressed by fantasy titles such as “cosmetic surgeon” or “doctor for cosmetic surgery” – doctors from any speciality can be behind these titles.

Here is a compact summary of the other criteria you should look out for when choosing your surgeon. Perhaps you have already had a bad experience? Are you looking for options for corrective surgery or a consultation first?

FOR PATIENTS

HERE ARE THE DECISIVE CRITERIA THAT YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN CHOOSING YOUR SURGEON:

1. Only a plastic surgeon should be allowed to work on you in the field of aesthetic surgery or plastic reconstructive surgery. A plastic surgeon is a recognised specialist and the title ‘Specialist in Plastic Surgery’ is protected.
2. A plastic surgeon has completed a degree in human medicine. Further training to become a specialist in plastic surgery begins with the receipt of a licence to practise medicine and lasts at least six years.
3. During this training phase, around 600 operations must be carried out independently and under the guidance of an experienced plastic surgeon. The specialists at the ETHIANUM have performed significantly more operations.
4. After this practical experience and theoretical training, the doctor takes the specialist examination at the relevant state medical association. After passing the specialist examination, the doctor officially receives the title ‘Specialist in Plastic Surgery’ or ‘Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery’.
5. The additional honorary degree PD (Priv.-Doz.) is awarded if the doctor has completed a four-year habilitation process. It indicates that the doctor has made a sustained contribution to teaching and science in his or her speciality.
6. Universities award the title of (associate) professor if a doctor has completed a university degree, is qualified as a teacher and is academically committed. This is usually demonstrated by a doctorate and additional academic achievements (see point 6, Habilitation).

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