Choosing a Surgeon - Houston, TX
The surgeon you trust for your cosmetic goals is the foundation for a safe and successful outcome.
Unfortunately, there are many physicians, dermatologists and even, dentists, who promote themselves as qualified to provide plastic surgery. This is deceptive and dangerous and not deserving of your trust.
The first step to finding the right doctor is making sure that they are a part of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This organization was founded in 1931, and ASPS is known worldwide as the largest plastic surgery organization to exist. All ASPS Member Surgeons have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only dedicated plastic surgery board that places an emphasis on the face and body as well.
You can be confident in your choice with Dr. Lapuerta knowing that:
- He is Triple Board Certified and Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- He has over 20 years of experience
- He has performed over 20,000 procedures
- He has privileges at many Houston area hospitals to perform the same surgical procedures he offers at his office based operating facility, The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas
- He has an excellent safety record
- He is the past President of the Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons
- He is the Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at St. Joseph Hospital
We hope the guide below will help you to recognize a surgeon who is competent and qualified to provide cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgical services.
PLASTIC SURGEON CHECKLIST
Be sure to CHOOSE A SURGEON who:
- Is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
This is THE ONLY BOARD RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALITIES as qualified in cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body. It ensures proper training, testing and peer assessment. Board certification in any other specialty does not ensure the same standards for training, experience and testing. - Graduated from an accredited medical school
- Has at least 6 years of training in surgery from an accredited, university based program with a minimum of 3 years devoted to plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Performs surgery only in surgical facilities which are accredited by AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO or Medicare
- Has privileges at area hospitals to perform the surgical procedures you are considering
Having privileges in area hospitals ensures that your surgeon’s training, experience and credentials have been verified by other physicians and are consistent with strict standards that ensure patient safety. - Has experience successfully performing the procedures you are considering
