Male Cosmetic Surgery | Plastic Surgery for Men

J. HOWELL TILLER, M.S., M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Masters degree, Human anatomy (M.S.)

Medical degree (M.D.)

1935 West Avenue, Suite 205

Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Dr. Tiller has over 25 years of experience consulting prospective cosmetic surgery patients and performing cosmetic surgery. Over the years he has often put himself in the patient’s position of not only deciding whether or not to have a particular procedure performed but also deciding which physician would be best to perform that specific surgery. For these reasons I have chosen to address and answer the following questions:

1) Is the Plastic Surgeon Board-certified?

Board-certification is a very good measure of the surgeon’s training and experience in Plastic Surgery. Board-certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery displays a commitment of integrity and professionalism by the Plastic Surgeon. I have been Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1987.

2) Is the Plastic Surgeon licensed by the State in which he/she practices?

The importance of this is probably self-evident. I maintain a current license in good standing in the State of Florida.

3) How many procedures in question has the surgeon performed?

Plastic Surgeons do not usually keep a running total of the procedures they perform and if they do then probably do not keep the numbers in their head. By asking this question, however, the patient can get an idea if the surgeon feels comfortable with the procedure or whether a referral to another surgeon may be in order. I am not offended by such a question; rather, I feel it may reflect how much thought the patient has put into having the procedure performed on them.

4) Where are the procedures performed?

Dr. Tiller performs all of his procedures at Metropolitan Hospital. Metropolitan Hospital is a full-service, accredited medical institution located in Miami, Florida.

5) What type of anesthesia would be used for a particular procedure?

There are generally three different types of anesthesia that are used for the procedures that are performed: local, local with sedation (twilight) and general (being put entirely to sleep). The type of anesthesia depends on the surgery being performed, the patient’s general health, and the patient’s desire. Dr. Tiller discusses the type of anesthesia with the patient on an individual basis. Only Anesthesiologists (physicians with specialty training in Anesthesia) are used to deliver anesthesia.

6) Is the fee quoted for a particular procedure all-inclusive?

In Dr. Tiller’s practice a fee for a particular procedure is all-inclusive but that fee is segmented into the separate fees: pre-op visits, office surgical fee, hospital fee, implants and follow-up office visits. The fee does not include any prescription medications, compression garments, home nursing care or any supplies the patient may need at home after surgery. If additional surgery is required to revise or improve the results of a surgery then there may be additional costs such as the hospital fee. These additional costs are usually minimal but cannot always be predicted. It is a good idea to discuss with the Plastic Surgeon the possibility of any unforeseen expenses. Insurance is available to cover costs of some complications of cosmetic surgery procedures (www.cosmetassure.com).

The person has to ask themselves these last questions:

* Do I feel comfortable in the Plastic Surgeon’s office?
* Is the office clean and the staff friendly and responsive?
* Does the Plastic Surgeon listen to what changes I wish to achieve and take the time to explain the procedure, recovery, and risks?
* Do I feel assured that the Plastic Surgeon will listen to me after the surgery even if I have problems?