What credentials do I look for when selecting a surgeon and how do I know they are qualified?

This is a very good question. Most patients are unaware that any physician with a license can practice plastic surgery. This means an allergist, obstetrician, or even a dermatologist could perform your plastic surgery. And with so many physicans advertising as "cosmetic surgeons" how can you be informed? There are several things you need to look for when choosing the correct surgeon.

The official Board for all certified plastic surgeons is the "American Board of Plastic Surgery". In order to be considered for application of this membership, a surgeon must have successfully completed a minimum of three (3) years of general surgery and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training in an accredited residency program. After practicing plastic surgery for two years and then passing intense comprehensive written and oral exams, a surgeon may become a member of this exclusive governing board.

After becoming a member of the board, a surgeon is then eligible to obtain membership in the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), which is formerly known as the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASPRS).

With credentials from American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and after the surgeon performs a minimum of 100 cases per year, they may qualify to become a member of the honorable American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

A qualified surgeon earns the right to add the use of the initials F.A.C.S. to their working title when they are officially accepted as a "Fellow of the American College of Surgeons".

It is these memberships listed above that represent the greatest degree of achievement for a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Martin Johnson is an active member of all of the above.

Dr. Johnson earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

What is the recovery time for surgery? When can I go back to work or exercise?

Although each individual heals uniquely, there are some generalizations that can be made. Most facial procedures - facelift, eyes, CO2 laser, etc. require about one to two weeks of recovery time before you return to work. With other procedures such as breast augmentation, we may advise that two weeks of recovery time would be ideal.

Typically, with liposuction you can return to work within a week. It really depends on the procedure you have, your body's ability to heal and your tolerance, and the type of work you do. With all procedures we advise our patients to curtail exercise for two to three week.

Do you offer financing?

We do not personally offer financing however, we can refer you to a finance company endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This company specializes in loans for cosmetic procedures. You may also want to check with your credit card company or lender to see what interest rate they will offer. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and debit cards.

Do you use computer imaging?

No, we do not. The risk in using such aids is that they can create an unrealistic expectation for the patient. We prefer the use of our own before and after photographs to help indicate what type of results you can expect.

Where is the surgery performed? Do I go home the same day? Do I need to have someone stay with me?

Our patient's cosmetic surgery procedures are performed at Paradise Valley Cosmetic Surgery Center. Located right on our premises it is the only state licensed, strictly cosmetic surgery center, which offers overnight short term and long term recovery. Located on 10 acres we offer exclusive immenities including meals, round the clock nursing and a swimming pool.

Most procedures are "same day surgeries" which means that you do go home after a same day recovery period in the surgical center. You must be driven and picked up from your procedure and you will need someone to stay and care for you for the first twenty-four hours upon your return home.