Faces of Honor

December 1st, 2012 Posted in Facial Plastic Surgery
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It may be hard to believe, but the United States has been at war in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade now. During that time, more than 2.4 million American men and women have been deployed to the region, and according to the Pentagon, more than 48,000 have suffered some sort of physical injury.

Many facial plastic surgeons volunteer their time and expertise in various humanitarian efforts including the Faces of Honor program operated by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  The Faces of Honor program attempts to help repay some of the debt it feels society owes to these veterans for their service and sacrifice.  Co-Chairs of the program Donn R. Chatham, MD, and Ifepo O. Sofolo, MD, FACS say Faces of Honor is simply a way to say “thank you.”

Faces of Honor is not meant to compete with services and treatment already provided by the Department of Defense or the Veteran’s Administration. Rather, it is meant to complement it. Surgeons work on a pro bono basis, performing surgery or serving in a consultative role for those veterans and soldiers who are affected.

To qualify for treatment through the program, a person has to be either an active duty member of the Armed Forces or a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom with an honorable discharge.  Further, the person must have sustained a face, head or neck injury during combat or combat support related activity.

If you think you might be eligible for the Faces of Honor program,contact your local facial plastic surgeon or call the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Foundation.

Post provided by Benjamin Stong MD

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Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon

February 21st, 2011 Posted in Facial Plastic Surgery
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Facial plastic surgery can be a life changing experience.  Carefully choosing a qualified facial plastic surgeon for your procedure is very important.  You want to find a surgeon who has the right combination of experience, training and artistic ability to ensure the best possible result.

Finding the facial plastic surgeon who is right for you requires that you do a bit of homework.  First, you should do some research on the procedure you are considering.  The internet is an excellent resource for this purpose.  Once you understand the procedure, you can look for a plastic surgeon who has experience and an excellent reputation for this particular procedure.

Start by asking family, friends, co-workers and others if they have had a similar procedure and who they would recommend.  Check out the internet, telephone listings, and referral sites for facial plastic surgeons who specialize in your procedure.  Ask your doctor if he or she can give you a recommendation.

Once you have a list of possible candidates, check with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to see if your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery.  Board certified facial plastic surgeons have the most extensive training, have passed rigorous examinations, and are required to stay up to date on the latest techniques through annual continuing education.

You should also check with your state medical board to see if there have been any disciplinary actions against the surgeon, if the surgeon’s license has ever been suspended, or if there been any judgments against the surgeon.

Once you have narrowed the list down to a few qualified surgeons, schedule an initial consultation with each potential surgeon.  There may be a fee for the initial consultation.  Use the initial consultation as an opportunity to interview each of the surgeons and choose the one that you were most comfortable with.

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