Are you ready to take the plunge and improve your appearance with a little help from cosmetic surgery? Before doing so, it’s essential to make sure that you pick a board-certified plastic surgeon who can safely perform the procedure. But which board?
Many surgeons providing plastic surgery are āBoard Certifiedā. But look carefully at their board. There are only 24 boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is included in these recognized boards. Unfortunately, there are many āsound-alikeā boards with less rigorous standards that can confuse patients.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery requires a minimum of 6-8 years of surgical training after medical school, completion of an extensive written exam, submission of practice history and case reports demonstrating the surgeon’s real-world experience, peer recommendations, completion of an oral exam before the surgeon can initially claim this label.
Maintaining certification requires meeting annual education, case report submission, and exam requirements. Itās the most difficult certification to obtain and maintain and therefore is considered the āgold standardā for a practicing plastic surgeon.
Choosing an experienced and well-trained doctor should be your first priority if you’re serious about achieving desired surgical outcomes. With careful planning and research, finding a qualified plastic surgeon becomes much easier ā here’s what you need to know in order to make an informed decision when selecting one for yourself.
Expertise and Experience
When you choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, youāre off to a good start.Ā These surgeons have the skill, training, and persistence to pursue the most prestigious and widely recognized board in the field.Ā But look further- all medical schools and plastic surgery programs are not alike. In addition, some plastic surgeons have years of experience and additional training that can enhance their skills.Ā Ā
Consider their reputation and personalities- itās important to find a surgeon that makes you feel comfortable and confident. And finally, look at their entire practice and the experience of those surrounding the surgeon. It takes a great team of experienced professionals to care for a patient, not just a single surgeon. This combination of expertise and experience allows them to provide their patients with the best possible results.
At Lawrence Plastic Surgery, youāll find Dr.Thellman is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic surgeons. He and his experienced team work together to approach each procedure with the utmost skill:
Dr. Thellman received his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, and was also selected to be a Burn Fellow at Vanderbilt University Burn Center during his time there. After completing his training he chose to return to his home state of Kansas and founded Lawrence Plastic Surgery in 1994. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Thellman has served his local medical community as Chief of Surgery at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, helped establish both the LMH Breast Center and the Lawrence Surgery Center, and served as a board member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association.
He currently serves on the Surgery Liaison Committee of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas and serves on the Board of Managers of the Lawrence Surgery Center. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Ottawa University, his undergraduate Alma Mater. He is also on the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and a physician advisor. He has given numerous presentations at the local, state, and national level focusing on breast surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, skin cancer, and patient safety.
Safety Matters
One of the main benefits of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Thellman is that they are held to the highest standards regarding safety practices. This means adhering to strict office surgery protocols as required by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and operating only at accredited facilities like the Lawrence Surgery Center and Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Patient-Centered Care
When you choose Dr. Thellman you can be sure that you are receiving personalized care from an experienced professional who will take the time to understand your individual needs and aesthetic goals. Heāll discuss your options with you in detail so you can make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you. Additionally, Dr. Thellman and his highly skilled team of professionals will be there every step of the way throughout your recovery process, ensuring that your experience is as safe and stress-free as possible.
Feel free to check out the extensive reviews from satisfied clients, as well as our portfolio of successful operations weāve performed.
If you would like more information or if you know you are ready to take the next steps make an appointment with Dr. Thellman at Lawrence Plastic Surgery. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!
