Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that people have regarding plastic surgery. Call us if you have any other questions. When you come in for your free consultation, please also feel free to ask us any questions you may have. We want you to be informed so that you can feel comfortable in pursuing your plastic surgery treatments.

What does it mean to be Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the governing body that is responsible for the training and certification of plastic and reconstructive surgeons. It is the only plastic surgery board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the national agency which serves to regulate, establish standards, and govern the various medical fields and sub-specialty boards. Only 24 boards meet the strict educational and examination criteria and are acknowledged by the ABMS. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is among them. There are over 100 other "boards" which are not recognized by the ABMS because they do not have appropriate criteria for membership, but have been created for marketing purposes. These include: American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

Certification by an ABMS Member Board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is widely recognized by physicians, healthcare institutions, insurers and patients as an essential tool to judge that a physician has the knowledge, experience and proven skills for providing quality healthcare within a given specialty. This certification involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in that specific area of medicine. Successful candidates are awarded certification.

It is important to note that not all physicians hold certification, as it is not necessary for a physician to be deemed qualified to practice in their chosen field. Dr. Debora Ma is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Will I need to provide you with my health history?

Yes. In order for Dr. Ma to most effectively assess your goals and chart your course for your most successful outcome, it is very important that you provide us with as complete a medical and health history as you can. Please make sure to let us know of any medications you are taking, or have taken in the recent past, along with any vitamins and herbal supplements that you are taking. Please let us know if you smoke, how often you drink alcohol, and of any drug use. This is in the interest of providing you with the best medical care that we can. Your medical history is an essential consideration for your individual treatment.

Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?

The best candidates for plastic surgery are generally healthy individuals, who are non-smokers and have no major medical problems. Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure circulatory disorders, and diabetes are conditions which may be problematic for elective plastic surgery and optimal recovery. Dr. Ma can best assess your individual condition at a consultation with you.