New Jersey Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul M. Parker Answers The Tough Questions You Need to Ask to Size Up Your Surgeon

Dr. Parker hopes more surgeons will step up to the challenge and proactively size themselves up. Obviously, the first priority is safety. Dr. Parker and his team at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, New Jersey, are committed to assuring patients have their questions answered, and that the patient is informed and comfortable with their surgery.

Paramus, New Jersey PRWEB) January 23, 2008 -- Dr. Paul M. Parker, Paramus, New Jersey plastic surgeon, inspired by a recent story from Laura Landro in the Wall Street Journal, is proud to answer the tough questions patients pose. Ms. Landro's article stresses the need for proactive patient education -- beyond the scope of the technicalities of the procedure -- and points to a useful a list of questions from an upcoming book by Dr. Thomas Russell, "I Need an Operation...Now What? A Patient's Guide to a Safe and Successful Outcome."

New Jersey Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul Parker

Dr. Parker says, "It's always been critical to me and all the staff at The Parker Center for Plastic Surgery in New Jersey (Paramus) to provide our patients with all the information they need to make an informed decision." Dr. Parker further states, "We work hard in the time available to make our patients comfortable while in The Parker Center. I'm a proactive person and if offering these answers we can ease our patients' concerns further that's all the justification I need."

Thomas Russell, Surgeon and Executive Director of the American College of Surgeons, says that, "Patients should feel free to ask their surgeon anything they want answered about the operation or the surgeon's competency to perform it."

Sizing Up Dr. Paul Parker M.D.

Answers to questions from patients and their families prior to surgery

Q: Do you perform this operation regularly?

A: With a complete focus on cosmetic surgical procedures and reconstruction following the removal of skin cancer and related lesions, Dr. Parker and his team perform 800 procedures per year in their fully certified surgical center. For specific procedures and their frequency Dr. Parker and his team are happy to provide details.

Q: Are you board certified in the surgical specialty in which you practice?

A: Dr. Parker is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Surgery and has an Advanced Degree in Cosmetic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Q: Do you have any health problems that would interfere with your ability to do this operation?

A: Dr. Parker is in excellent health and undergoes a routine physical every year. He works out at the gym three to four times a week and is a follower of the Zone Diet. Together, these allow him the stamina and energy to perform lengthy procedures and maintain an active schedule with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.

Q: What is your success rate with the operations and your safety record regarding complications?

A: In our patient surveys, conducted three months following surgery, over 90% of patients are "very satisfied" with their results and the treatment received from Dr. Parker and his staff. We are proud of the fact that our greatest source of new patients is referrals from our already happy patients.

Our surgical facility 'Surgiplex' promotes a Culture of Safety in addition to "safe" plastic surgery procedures performed by Dr. Parker and his board-certified anesthesiologists. Surgiplex is certified by Medicare, JCAHO, and AAAASF. With an unusually low turnover, working with the same anesthesiologists in the same center, we have operated for over 20 years with no fatalities and no patients requiring hospital transfer.

Q: Will I be involved in marking the surgical site?

A: Dr. Parker meets each patient before surgery, marks their surgical site and reviews the markings with them in front of a full-length mirror prior to surgery.

Answers to questions from patients and their families after the surgery

Q: Did anything unexpected happen during the operation?

A: Dr. Parker and his staff meet with the patient's family immediately following surgery to re-cap the surgery and anesthesia. It is very unusual for something unexpected to occur, given the team's extensive preparation before surgery.

Q: Is there any change in the post-operative plans?

A: Dr. Parker's nurses, at his direction, review the written postoperative instructions with the patient and their family prior to discharge from the facility.

Q: Did anything happen during surgery that could complicate recovery?

A: Dr. Parker discusses the anticipated recovery from surgery with the patient's family following the surgical procedures.

Q: Are there any instructions for me in case of bleeding or other problems after surgery?

A: Explicit written instructions are reviewed by Dr. Parker's nurses prior to surgery and afterwards.

Q: When should I next see the surgeon?

A: The treating nurse will schedule a postoperative appointment for each patient prior to discharge from the facility.

Dr. Parker hopes more surgeons will step up to the challenge and proactively size themselves up.

Obviously, the first priority is safety. Dr. Parker and his team at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, New Jersey, are committed to assuring patients have their questions answered, and that the patient is informed and comfortable with their surgery.

For further information please visit The Parker Center for Plastic Surgery web site, http://www.parkercenter.net

Located in Paramus, New Jersey, the Parker Center is a 15,000 square foot facility boasting an AAAASF and Medicare certified surgical center, state of the art medi-spa and circuit training gym. The Parker Center for Plastic Surgery prides itself on enhancing their patient's lives through individualized support and impeccable attention to detail.

Dr. Paul Parker, M.D. graduated from George Washington University of Medicine in Washington, DC, where he was the recipient of the distinguished CV Mosby Award of Excellence. He completed residencies in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center, where he received the Theodore Barnett Award for Excellence in Teaching. He also completed a fellowship in Microsurgery at New York University Medical Center's Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery with heavy emphasis on innovative methods of breast reconstruction.

Dr. Parker is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He holds a certificate of advanced education in cosmetic surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Additionally, he has been selected as one of the top surgeons in his field by Consumer's Research Council of America and has been named one of "America's Top Doctors" by Castle Connolly. He has also served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center.

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