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Research your lip augmentation options thoroughly. There is a vast amount of information available on the Internet as well as pamphlets free to the public from libraries and doctors' offices, without obligation.
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Speak to others, like you, who have undergone lip augmentation on our All About Lip Augmentation Forum at http://www.lipaugmentation.com/messageboard.htm.
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Check around and be aware of all your options. Just because one surgeon may not have a procedure doesn't mean you can't look around more. Just as well, if a surgeon does perform a procedure or have a product, doesn't mean he or she is the right surgeon.
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Don't be afraid to ask around. Ask around your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurses that you may know or that friends of yours may know. You're just getting names right now so any suggestions can be welcome. You may not choose any of these but it's a start.
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Compile a list of possibilities and begin checking them out for disciplinary actions and check for possible negative media coverage through www.google.com -- they have a great content indexing system.
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You can find out if they have been disciplined by writing your state's medical board; info can be found at: http://www.fsmb.org/members.htm This section will load in a new window for your convenience.
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Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists by calling 1-800-776-2378 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. to see if they are listed.
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Has the doctor's malpractice insurance ever been cancelled? Some state medical boards will tell you when a doctor has had insurance cancelled (beware! most doctors can get insurance no matter how bad their record is). However, you can contact the Dept. of Insurance for your state (DOI).
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Some states allow a surgeon not to carry insurance (think Florida, where rates are far higher over time than a single maximum malpractice award. However, these surgeons are usually required to put up a bond, usually at the maximum amount for a malpractice reward for the state. Because of this, the surgeon can pay out of his own pocket in the event of a malpractice case/award. This doesn't make him a bad surgeon, this makes him a surgeon who has enough money to put aside the money, in the event of a malpractice case.
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What does the American Medical Association (AMA) have on file about the doctor? The American Medical Directory, published by the AMA, lists the affiliations of its members. It should be available at your public library. However, for $60. the AMA will provide biographical information on as many as four physicians. A surgeon doesn't have to be listed with the AMA but it can be helpful in locating info.
- Write: AMA, Department of Physician Data Services, Dept. P, 515 N. State St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
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EXTRA! Now, in some cases just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit, settling out of court or even had a case dismissed, this doesn't mean that doc is a bad one. Likewise, if a doctor has NOT ever been disciplined, it doesn't mean he is a good one either. Maybe it just hasn't happened yet.
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Discuss with your spouse or significant other your wishes and concerns; perhaps they, themselves, may have input or concerns you may not have thought of.
- Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a result.
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Compile a list of the medications, if any, that you may be on as a reference. You doctor should instruct you to refrain from ingesting any products containing aspirin. View our aspirin and supplement list for an example guide at http://www.lipaugmentation.com/medicationlist.htm.
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Beware of the doctor who fails to listen to your concerns or fails to bring the risks and complications of your chosen procedure to your attention. This is not changing a tire -- this is changing your body.
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Be wary if he starts pointing out what you didn't come to him to fix. If you went in for lip augmentation only and the surgeon starts trying to sell you breast implants -- be wary. You aren't a Mrs. Potato Head doll, besides, that's rude! The doctor should be there to make you, the patient, happy -- not make extra money by preying upon your insecurities. Of course if you ask his opinion -- be prepared to get it.
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Don't be intimidated.
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Trust your instincts as well. Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something -- there very well may be a reason.
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Make several consultations so that you can get several opinions.
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Not all surgeons charge for a consultation. The price of the consultation does not necessarily reflect on the skill of the surgeon. Prices vary from free to $500. Find out beforehand what the cost is so there are no surprises.
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A consultation can last from 10 minutes to 2 and 1/2 hours. He or she should answer all of your questions.
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Don't be tricked into the "consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled" bit. Don't book with a surgeon just because you feel pressured about getting your consult fee refunded.
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If for silicone, FIND OUT WHAT BRAND NAME AND VISCOSITY IT IS. There are currently TWO approved silicone products (Silikon 1000 and Adatosil 5000) for injection into the body (which are not approved for cosmetic use, however). Another one, SilSkin, by Richard-James, is in clinical trials for cosmetic use. Please do not agree to have any silicone injected that is clearly not manufactured and intended for injection into the human body. This includes all silicones by Dow-Corning. Dow-Corning makes medical grade silicone oils but they are intended for lubrication of cutting edges and tubing. In fact, Dow has each customer sign an affidavit stating what exactly they will be using the oil for, and not for injection into the human body.
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