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Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

If you’re considering plastic surgery to address your cosmetic concerns, choosing a plastic surgeon is the first step.

Choosing a plastic surgeon can seem like a daunting task. In the United States alone, there are over 6,000 qualified plastic surgeons to choose from. It’s important to select the plastic surgeon that’s right for you and the procedure you want to have done. But how, exactly, do you choose the right plastic surgeon?

Doctor Certifications

Dr. Angelchik was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) in 1996 and successfully completed a rigorous recertification process in 2006 and 2016. He participates in the Maintenance of Certification program through the ABPS. He is a member in good standing of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has also been named to Castle & Connolly’s Top Doctors in America every year since 1996.

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.


What is a Plastic Surgeon?


Plastic surgery is defined as a specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Cosmetic surgery is a technique entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance, symmetry and proportion. Because these two categories focus on different procedures, the surgeons performing them are vastly different as well.

Cosmetic surgeons may actually belong to any medical specialty. They could be a general surgeon, gynecologist, dermatologist, family physician or any other medical doctor who decided that they want to perform cosmetic procedures. The training in this field can be anywhere from a one-year fellowship to a handful of short weekend courses on topics ranging from how to perform liposuction, to how to place breast implants.

On the other hand, plastic surgeons require vigorous continuing education after medical school. First, they will serve as a surgical resident for at least 3 years. After that is completed, they will then complete roughly 3 years of focused plastic surgery training. Board-certified plastic surgeons can only become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery by completing the extensive education and training requirements. Cosmetic surgeons may claim they are board-certified, but this can be misleading as their certifications aren’t always given by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The entire process for a plastic surgeon to become board-certified can take 6 to 8 years or more.

When you are opting for your cosmetic procedure, it’s important to know the differences between cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons, and what each one can and cannot perform. While all plastic surgeons have extensive training and can perform both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery, not all cosmetic surgeons can perform reconstructive surgery due to a lack of training.

Education Requirements


The importance of education and experience cannot be overstated. When you entrust a surgeon with your appearance, you need to have confidence that they have the credentials to deliver on their promises.

However, being a great plastic surgeon isn’t just about the degrees and certifications. Ultimately, a plastic surgeon needs to have significant experience in the procedures they offer to each and every patient. Experience in the field of plastic surgery can be just as vital as the proper education and certification.

After graduation from Stanford University, Dr. Angelchik has attained the following medical education qualifications and certifications:

  • Medical school at the University of Arizona, graduated as member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society

Completed General Surgery Residency at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, board certified in General Surgery 1992, 2002, American Board of Surgery

  • Completed Plastic surgery residency and microvascular surgery research fellowship at the University of Virginia
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery—named one of the Best Doctors in America

Field Experience


Choosing the right plastic surgeon is something that will have an impact for years, if not for the rest of your life. The stakes seem high, but the process shouldn’t be frightening. Knowing what to look for to get the best fit for your procedures and your desires can help make sure that you end up in the right hands. In order to do so, you must consider the surgeon’s overall field experience.

In every area of plastic surgery, there are special skills that make for the best possible results. For any procedure that you are considering, make sure the surgeon you choose has plenty of experience in the specific procedure you plan to have. This can be done in different ways, including:

  • Finding out how many years they have been performing specific procedures
  • Determining their reputation within the medical community
  • Ask if they are board-certified
  • Learning how long they have been in practice
  • Ask to see before and after images of previous patients
  • Ask to see references or patient testimonials

Dr. Angelchik has built his reputation on providing individualized care with exceptional results. Our clinically trained staff builds strong relationships with our patients by paying close attention to their wishes and providing the experience and skill to produce beautiful and natural looking results.

Associations


During your initial consultation, it’s important to realize you are interviewing the surgeons to decide which one is right for you, and which one is most qualified to perform your procedure. Your plastic surgeon should be a member of various associations. Ultimately, being a member of these professional associations means they are involved in the ever-evolving medical community and are continually advancing their education and understanding of the plastic surgery field.

Associations you should expect in a qualified plastic surgeon include:

Dr. Angelchik is a part of the following associations:

  • Member in good standing of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons
  • Operates in accredited facilities
  • Continues education as a member of ASPS
  • Member Arizona Society of Plastic Surgery Member of the Maricopa Medical Society
  • Member of the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association

Choosing a plastic surgeon who has obtained membership with these prestigious associations is important in setting expectations for optimal results.

The Importance of Board Certification


The American Board of Plastic Surgery offers dedicated education, training, and certification in cosmetic surgery that must be completed to become a member of the ASPS. The ASPS was founded in 1931 and is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. Members of the ASPS adhere to a strict code of ethics and operate only in accredited medical facilities. They must also fulfill continuing medical education requirements to meet new standards and innovations in patient safety. Choosing a doctor who is a member of the ASPS is the first step to getting exceptional care and great results.

Among his many qualifications, Dr. Angelchik is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Range of services


One of the first things to look for when choosing your plastic surgeon is a full range of services offered that meet your cosmetic needs. The world’s best liposuction professional may not be right for you if all you want is BOTOX® Cosmetic injections.

Whatever your cosmetic need, Dr. Angelchik can provide services and procedures to ensure you get the look you want. Dr. Angelchik is pleased to offer his patients a comprehensive range of services, including:

Facilities


Picking the right plastic surgeon doesn’t need to be a difficult task. When you know what you want and take the time to research your options, the choice will become clear. An important aspect of choosing your plastic surgeon is the facilities in which they operate.  A good plastic surgeon needs great facilities to properly complete their work—and that doesn’t just mean the office where they consult with patients.

Dr. Angelchik has surgical privileges at some of the best hospitals in the country, including:

  • Arrowhead Hospital in Glendale, AZ
  • Honor Health/ Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and Osborne Hospitals (Greenbaum and Piper surgery hospitals) in Scottsdale, AZ
  • John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital in Phoenix, AZ
  • Banner / Atlas  Surgicenters throughout the Phoenix metro area
  • Canyon Surgicenter, in Phoenix, AZ

With so many locations throughout the Phoenix area, we’re sure to have a facility that is convenient and safe for you.

Customer Service and Communication


Qualifications and experience are not the only things that matter in making the right choice for your plastic surgeon. You need a doctor who takes the time to answer all of your questions, and who you can communicate with openly and comfortably. Having a good connection with your plastic surgeon should be considered a critical component in the recipe for a successful choice.

Dr. Angelchik takes the time to build a strong rapport with each of his patients through education and compassionate communication. Dr. Angelchik is personally involved in all aspects of care, including the initial consultation and follow-up appointment. He makes sure you feel confident in your choice in surgeon, procedure and throughout your entire recovery.

How Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Angelchik can Help You


Every aspect of your healthcare is impacted by your choice of physician. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is important to getting the results you want. The first step in choosing the right plastic surgeon is to conduct thorough research and schedule an initial consultation where you can ask questions and learn about the procedure you are considering.

Dr. Angelchik has the experience, education, and certifications necessary to provide you with various procedures that can help address your cosmetic concerns. He will meet with you in person to discuss your goals and needs. Together, we will work to formulate your personalized treatment plan to you can get the beautiful results you want to achieve.

If you’re in the Scottsdale area and would like to learn more about Dr. Angelchik’s qualifications, or how he can help you, give our office a call at 602-375-8888 to schedule your initial consultation.

The Angelchik Difference

Learn more about our philosophy and follow the patient journey to see what
makes us different and what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

  • Surgeon Consultation

    All patient consultations are conducted with Board Certified surgeon Dr. Angelchik and full medical history is discussed.

  • Custom Procedure

    Recommendations are based on the patient's expressed interests, health history and physical examination.

  • Personalized Experience

    Our staff offers a personalized experience for each patient with an educational and reassuring environment.

  • Highly Rated

    Consistenly on RealSelf, HealthGrades and Google. In Best Doctors and Castle & Connolly's Best Doctors.

Contact Us

If you're interested, please contact us today at 602-375-8888 to schedule your consultation. Our office provides excellent plastic surgery to clients in the Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise and Peoria areas of Arizona.

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