How to select a cosmetic surgeon

April 1, 2014, 4:09 am

You deserve the best, so why not expect the best, especially when it comes to your cosmetic surgeon? Cosmetic surgery is an investment in yourself. With that in mind, your cosmetic surgeon should also be invested in their own professional practice and abilities in order to deliver the highest quality of care so they may help you achieve your goals. So, how do you go about ensuring that your surgeon meets such a high standard? Dr. Hlavacek and everyone at Kansas City Surgical Arts would like to offer you these guidelines for ensuring that your cosmetic surgery experience meets the highest level of quality. We want to ensure that your relationship with us is one built on trust, professionalism, and support for your needs.

Know what you need from your surgeon

Your surgeon should be board certified with extensive education and experience, but what else should you look for in a cosmetic surgeon? Your surgeon should:

• Take time to listen to and understand your needs and desires
• Respect your goals and provide guidance about what cosmetic surgery can and can’t do for you
• Address all of your questions and concerns — no question is too small
• Have a strong, positive professional reputation with excellent referrals
• Allow you to express nervousness or concerns, and to bring a friend or relative along for support throughout your journey

Know your surgeon’s qualifications

In addition to subjective qualities relating to your cosmetic surgery desires and in qualities you seek in your surgeon, you should also consider quantifiable factors. These include:

Board certification — Your cosmetic surgeon should be board certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), and, if relevant, by additional certifying organizations. Dr. Hlavacek is dual board certified by the AACS and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS). These organizations hold their members to the highest standards, require continuing education, and regularly review member qualifications.

Experience and education — Your surgeon should have extensive experience with the procedures you are considering and any subspecialties in which he or she practices. In the case of Dr. Hlavacek, this experience includes:

• Graduation from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry as a Doctor of Dental Surgery
• Graduation from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine where he received his medical degree
• Residencies at St. Luke’s and Truman Medical Center hospitals and University of Missouri – Kansas City in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• General surgery internships at St. Luke’s, TMC, and the VA
• A fellowship in cosmetic surgery at Tulsa Surgical Arts

With a background in dentistry, general surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Hlavacek brings a unique perspective to his cosmetic surgery practice by building on an in-depth understanding of every aspect of the structures of the human body. He understand the nuances and subtleties that distinguish one patient from one another, allowing him to provide tailored, individualized attention to every patient to ensure the best possible results.

In addition to his education, Dr. Hlavacek shares his love for what he does through his extensive experience overseeing the educations of future cosmetic and facial surgeons. He is:

• Associate professor at Truman Medical Center and St. Luke Hospital, preparing residents for the next step in their cosmetic and facial surgery careers; and
• Committed to his own continuing education and staying at the top of his field, ensuring that his skills are always the best that they can be.

Personality and reputation — It is important that you and your cosmetic surgeon will be able to work well together. You deserve a surgeon who will listen to your needs, ask clarifying questions, and provide guidance. For Dr. Hlavacek, it is important that he affords every single patient the same level care and respect he would give to a family member. Cosmetic surgery is an individual choice with many considerations involved, and Dr. Hlavacek’s goal is to put every patient at ease and to walk each one through his or her journey with trust, cooperation, and professionalism.

We would love to meet you!

When you are ready to schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation, Dr. Hlavacek and his team at Kansas City Surgical Arts will be here for you. Call us today at 816-286-4126 to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.