Meet Dr. Christopher P. Godek, MD

Importance of Board Certification for Plastic Surgeons

The distinction between plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and those who are not is an important one. In order to become board-certified, plastic surgeons such as Dr. Godek must pass rigorous testing requirements and prove that they have extremely high levels of training, education, and experience in the field of plastic surgery. ABPS-certified plastic surgeons must also recertify every 10 years to maintain their status, which can ensure they have not fallen short of their commitment to provide patients with high standards of care and top-quality procedures.

Choosing the Best
Plastic Surgeon for You

Selecting the plastic surgeon that is best for your individual needs is one of the most important steps in the treatment process. Any kind of plastic surgery or cosmetic enhancement is a major decision, and you’ll want to be sure that you feel comfortable and confident with the doctor you choose from the very beginning.

The following tips can serve as a general guideline you can use as you narrow down your choices:

Review the Surgeon’s Credentials,
Background, and Experience

As you conduct your research, it’s very useful to familiarize yourself with the professional biography of the plastic surgeon you are considering. Practice websites often have pages devoted to an overview of the surgeon’s credentials, experience, and background. You can learn a great deal about a surgeon by reviewing his or her educational and training history, areas of special focus, professional memberships, career accomplishments, and board-certifications.

Take a Look at
Before-and-After Treatment Photos

A plastic surgery before-and-after photo gallery can give you a good look at the results of which a prospective surgeon is capable. These photo galleries may even include images of patients who have had the very procedure in which you are interested. If before-and-after photos are not available on the practice’s website, you should feel free to ask to view them once you visit the surgeon’s office.

Read Patient Reviews and Testimonials

From plastic surgeon reviews available directly on the website to third-party sites that feature reviews of doctors and other businesses, there are a variety of ways you can get a glimpse at what other patients are saying about their experiences with a particular practice. Reviews and testimonials can often give you a general idea of the type of service and treatment that can be expected from a prospective plastic surgeon.

Evaluate Your Rapport with the Plastic Surgeon

Once your initial research has produced a few of the plastic surgeons with whom you feel may be right for your needs, it’s important to meet with the doctor in person to make the final determination. During your first consultation, you should never be hesitant to ask any questions you may have about the surgeon’s background, the treatment you are considering, the recovery period, risks and benefits, and generally what you can expect from the entire process. You should also use this time to evaluate your rapport and establish whether you feel the doctor is attentive, compassionate, skilled, honest, thorough, and genuinely caring about your needs and goals. The treatment process involves a partnership between you and the surgeon, and you should feel that your concerns are being addressed throughout the entirety of the process.