Research Surgeon

Digging Deep Into Your Surgeon's Background

Once you have refined your search for an appropriate surgeon(s) who can perform your facial rejuvenation procedure, it is time to do some detective work. Some of this research may seem like grunt work, but it is worth your time and effort.

For starters, check to see if the surgeon or surgeons are facing any disciplinary actions, settlements, and/or judgments. This should not be your only consideration when choosing a surgeon, but it is useful information. Keep in mind that anyone can file a lawsuit against anyone at any time. Sometimes malpractice suits have more to do with the person who filed them than the doctor or professional that they are directed against. Then again, some malpractice lawsuits do have merit.

Visit the courthouse and perform a search for litigation, arbitration and/or trials in the civil index for a particular surgeon. Online searches may also uncover some information on past or present malpractice suits.

Look for patterns when reviewing any information that you find. For example, one red flag may be a surgeon who has had a clean record for decades, but is then named in two malpractice suits in the last year. Something could be amiss.

A little Googling can go a long way. Typing your surgeon or prospective surgeon's name into a search engine can provide some useful information on malpractice suits, particularly if they were mentioned in the local media.

Facility Accreditation

Another important step in researching your surgeon and safeguarding your health involves the facility where your surgery will be performed. Make sure that the facility — be it a freestanding surgery clinic or a surgeon's office — is accredited.

Accreditation means that the surgery center meets established standards. It's well equipped, sanitary, and prepared to handle an emergency should one arise. It also must provide easy access for emergency vehicles like ambulances to receive accreditation.

Accreditation associations in the United States and Canada include:

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
3201 Old Glenview Road, Suite 300
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Telephone: (847) 853-6060
Fax: (847) 853-9028

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
5101 Washington Street, Suite #2F, Gurnee, IL 60031
Toll-free: (888) 545-5222
Fax: (847) 775-1985

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Telephone: (630) 792-5000
Fax: (630) 792-5005

Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (CAAASF)
2334 Heska Rd.
Pickering, Ontario Canada L1V 2P9
Telephone: (905) 831-5804
Fax: (905) 831-7248

Choosing a skilled and reputable surgeon who practices in an accredited facility will go a long way toward your peace of mind and ultimate satisfaction with the results of your facial rejuvenation procedure, and it will help minimize your risk of complications.


  • Halaas 58x57

    Yael Halaas, MD, FACS

    60 East 56th Street
    3rd Floor
    New York, NY 10022
    (332) 239-6439


  • P

    Cosmetic Surgery Associates of New York

    465 Columbus Avenue
    370
    Valhalla, NY 10595
    (914) 421-0113


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    Min S. Ahn MD
    FACS

    The Aesthetic Wellness Center
    2 Connector Road, #2C
    Westborough, MA 01581
    508-366-2020