Tips for Choosing a Reconstructive or Cosmetic Surgeon

Brian Kent, M.D., cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, shares tips on finding a surgeon that's right for you.

Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian Kent, M.D.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recently released statistics stating that 13.1 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, including those that are minimally invasive or surgical, were performed in the United States in 2010, up five percent from 2009. In addition, more than 5.3 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed last year, up two percent.

Whether you’re considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, finding the right physician should be a top priority. “The best place to start is finding a surgeon that is board certified,” said plastic surgeon Brian Kent, M.D. “Patients also need to find out which board the surgeon is certified by.”

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the official board of plastic surgeons in the United States and is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr. Kent is also a member of professional societies including ASPS and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Dr. Kent also recommends finding a surgeon with whom you are comfortable speaking. “Patients should have a good rapport with their physician,” he said. “They should be comfortable with the surgeon’s approach, and the approach of the entire staff.”

Other factors to consider when searching for a plastic surgeon are whether or not you feel pressured to schedule a surgical procedure, and if the physician spends enough time with you and answers all of your questions.

According to Dr. Kent, if something about your body bothers you, it is reasonable to discuss it with a surgeon you trust. It is the surgeon’s responsibility to inform you as to how good of a candidate you are for the procedure you are interested in having performed. “If a 40-year-old is considering a face lift, it is possible there won’t be a very significant result,” said Dr. Kent. “If that is the case, it is my responsibility to caution the patient about exposing him or herself to risk and cost for a subtle result.”

Once you select a plastic surgeon, the first step is an initial consultation. If you decide to undergo a procedure, the physician will then schedule the surgery. There will be a pre-op visit one or two weeks prior to the surgery.

Most people will spend the first two to three weeks after surgery recovering from the swelling and getting back to their routines. They will be able to drive by the end of the first week, if not in the first few days after surgery, and they will be back to work in a week or two, depending on what procedure was performed. During the next two to four weeks, they will start enjoying the results.

A common misconception with plastic surgery is that difficult, complex problems are easily solved with a simple stitch. “The before and after results that people see on TV are often better than what is usually possible,” said Dr. Kent. “The results depend on the patient.”

Dr. Kent is a board certified plastic surgeon and has been practicing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for 24 years. He recently relocated to Tulsa from Orange, California. Dr. Kent has a special interest in breast reconstruction after mastectomy; he worked with the Breast Care Center in Orange and hopes to perform similar surgeries in Oklahoma. “It’s very satisfying to perform reconstructive surgery,” he said. “I’m honored to participate in the entire healing process of a patient recovering from breast cancer.”

Dr. Kent operates at Saint Francis, Cancer Treatment Center, and Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital.

For more information, contact

Brian Kent, M.D.

(918) 492-2282