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What is a Plastic Surgeon?
A plastic surgeon is a physician who has been trained in the repair, reconstruction, and functional improvement of the face, breasts, and body, including the skin, musculoskeletal system, and other structures. Using aesthetic techniques, plastic surgeons can address and enhance undesirable qualities from signs of aging to effects caused by injuries, disease, and birth defects. Cosmetic surgeons, on the other hand, are entirely focused on improving the patient’s appearance. Therefore, plastic surgeons can also be cosmetic surgeons, but not all cosmetic surgeons can perform plastic surgery. These two terms are often used interchangeably, so you should always ask what kind of training a surgeon has before making a decision.
Meet Dr. Goldberg
Dr. Neal D. Goldberg is a board-certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in Scarsdale, New York. His specialties include a wide range of procedures for the breasts, body, face, and skin, such as: tummy tuck, body contouring, Mommy Makeover surgery, liposuction, breast lift surgery, breast reduction, breast augmentation, post-cancer breast reconstruction, facelift surgery, neck lift, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery.
Dr. Goldberg graduated from NYU School of Medicine before continuing to train in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Prior to medical school, Dr. Goldberg graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he concentrated on health care policy and economics.
Dr. Goldberg completed training in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. His specialized training includes aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and body contouring at Montefiore Medical Center; trauma reconstruction, microvascular, peripheral nerve, and hand surgery at Beth Israel and Jacobi Medical Centers, and burn surgery at the U.S. Army Brookes Burn Center. His general surgery training was at the University of Texas, where he had special concentration on melanoma surgery and reconstruction at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Most aesthetic procedures can be offered in the fully state-certified operating facility in Dr. Goldberg’s Scarsdale office. He works with only the most experienced and competent board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses to deliver outstanding results and medical care in a discreet and convenient office-based setting.
Dr. Goldberg additionally performs a wide range of reconstructive surgery at White Plains Hospital and St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Dobbs Ferry Pavillion. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Goldberg focuses on delivering the highest level of care while adhering to strict guidelines as to patients’ safety and comfort. He prides himself on understanding each patient’s goals, developing plans to meet those goals, and being engaged every step of the way – from initial consultation to removing stitches.
“I take a huge amount of pride in what I do. I really care about my patients and their satisfaction.”
Why Should Dr. Goldberg Be My Plastic Surgeon?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to cosmetic enhancement. You have a lot of options in New York, so why should you choose Dr. Goldberg? Everyone’s aesthetic goals and anatomical needs are unique, and Dr. Goldberg personalizes each treatment plan to optimize the outcome for the patient. He begins with a one-on-one consultation in which he listens attentively to your desired outcome, makes every effort to answer your questions, and carefully evaluates your concerns to provide the best-quality treatment possible. His extensive training, years of experience, and continuing education give him the tools he needs to deliver unparalleled results. Dr. Goldberg also believes that well-informed patients are more satisfied with their results, so he takes the time to help you understand all your options and what can be achieved.
Why is Board Certification Important for Plastic Surgeons?
There is a lot to think about when considering cosmetic surgery, and one of the most important decisions will be selecting whom you want to perform the operation. While many types of surgeons can perform plastic surgery, not all of them have the same level of experience and training. Confirming that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one method of ensuring he or she has the necessary skill and the appropriate credentials to provide you with the best medical care possible.
The ABPS is important for several reasons. This organization only certifies plastic surgeons who have gone through rigorous training, have proven experience (at least five years in an accredited surgical residency program), and have a degree from an accredited medical school. Additionally, the ABPS requires certified plastic surgeons to participate in continuing education and to retake and pass the exam every 10 years. As a result, a board-certified plastic surgeon has the practical knowledge necessary to help reduce the risk of complications and maximize the opportunity for successful results.
In addition to board certification, there are several other factors you should consider when selecting a plastic surgeon, including medical memberships, willingness to answer your questions, and how you feel after the initial consultation. Dr. Goldberg is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He will listen attentively to your concerns and customize a treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals. He prioritizes safety, experience, and results with each patient he sees.
We believe that patient education is an essential part of the plastic surgery process, and we welcome your questions. If you would like to know more about board certification, please reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable medical team.
How To Choose The Right Plastic Surgeon
Whether you are considering a non-surgical treatment like dermal fillers or a dramatic rejuvenation such as a mommy makeover, plastic surgery can be an excellent opportunity to enhance your appearance and, in many cases, your self-esteem. The most important step in the process, however, will be selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
Patients should always seek out a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery specifically. Many practitioners are certified in general surgery but not plastic surgery, and this is an important distinction. Furthermore, they should readily make available their educational and professional background. Did they complete additional training in the procedure in which you are interested? Do they actively participate in continued education? Are they members of any medical organizations, primarily the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)?
It is common for prospective patients to be uncertain about what to look for when researching a plastic surgeon. While many factors, such as education and experience, can be markers of quality, there are a multitude of additional elements that can help to develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of a physician’s aptitude. Some of these “hidden” attributes include:
- Offering a compassionate, welcoming environment
- Listening to your concerns and answering all questions to your satisfaction
- Providing a wide range of before-and-after pictures for the procedure you are considering
- Understanding your goals and working to achieve your vision
- Providing personal attention and being directly involved in every step
- Making you feel comfortable
Trust is the most important part of any doctor-patient relationship. If you do not feel comfortable with a plastic surgeon, he or she is not the right one for you regardless of how impressive the professional background.
Questions to Ask Your Prospective Plastic Surgeon
In addition to researching the educational and professional background of a plastic surgeon, you should ask several questions during the initial consultation before committing to any cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical. Having a comprehensive picture of the surgeon’s strengths, personality, and motivations can help to ensure you receive the best possible results and have a fulfilling experience.
The consultation should be an opportunity to establish a comfortable exchange, and dialogue should be shared fairly equally between you and your surgeon. If you notice the doctor tends to have an agenda, leads you toward a different treatment or aesthetic result than you desire, or attempts to upsell you on additional procedures you do not want, you may wish to reconsider selecting this practitioner. Trust, comfort, and compassion are essential qualities in an effective doctor-patient relationship. In addition to these factors, some questions you should voice include:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- How is the treatment customized to my needs?
- What can I expect during the recovery process?
- What are reasonable expectations for results?
- How long will the results last? Will I need another procedure in the future?
- What cannot be accomplished with this procedure?
- What resources do you have (technology, hospital affiliations, etc.)?
- Is the facility where the treatment takes place accredited?
- If anesthesia is needed, will it be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients who have had this procedure?
- What will happen if I am not fully satisfied with the outcome of treatment?
Understanding and prioritizing the patient’s aesthetic goals while employing the safest methods possible should be the main objectives for any qualified plastic surgeon.