Cosmetic Surgery Patient Information in Asheville, North Carolina

Practice Location

The Plastic Surgery Center was designed by a local architect to be a plastic surgery office with the feel of a mountain lodge. 

Despite its convenient location across the street from Mission Hospital, the office is tucked away on two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with a koi pond, flowers, and large trees. It is a quiet, peaceful, and private location that is welcoming and a completely different environment than most medical offices.

What you can expect when you visit

When you step into the office, you will be greeted by our friendly receptionist in the waiting area with vaulted ceilings, a large stone fireplace, and comfortable seating.

On your first visit, you will receive an iPad to sign some forms in our patient portal and fill out any information not previously given, including which of our services you are interested in.

A nurse will come out to greet you and take you to one of our comfortable consultation rooms with large windows and a view of the trees, downtown Asheville, and mountains in the distance.

Importance of Board Certification

While it is important to find a plastic surgeon that is board certified, it is critical to find one that is certified by a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

The ABMS only endorses medical and specialty boards that meet the highest standards and most rigorous requirements. If you find a plastic surgeon who claims they are “board certified,” but they do not indicate which board, you need to ask that question.

The ABMS does not recognize the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and their process for board certification bears no resemblance to the rigorous requirements set forth by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery is also not endorsed by the ABMS.  

Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is considered the gold standard for selecting a safe, competent, and well-trained plastic surgeon.

What is a Plastic Surgeon

A plastic surgeon specializes in repairing, restoring, or altering parts of the body affected by trauma, cancer, aging, or congenital conditions.

The term has nothing to do with the material “plastic” but is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to shape or mold something. In the late 19th century, surgeons in Europe started describing reconstructive procedures as “plastic” operations, and the name stuck. 

What is a Cosmetic Surgeon

Be wary of any surgeon who claims to be a cosmetic surgeon without proper training.  

There are many doctors who have trained in other specialties (such as general surgery, emergency medicine, OB/GYN) who want to switch careers, take some weekend courses, get “board certified” by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and then draw in unsuspecting patients who don’t know better.

It is a shame that state medical boards do not prohibit this practice. It is too common and creates a major patient safety issue.

It is important to seek a cosmetic surgeon that is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is a board certification endorsed by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  

The ABMS only endorses specialty boards that meet their stringent requirements for safety and excellent training. 

Why Are a Physician’s Training and Experience Important?

No two patients or procedures are alike. A surgeon’s training and experience dictate how they will deal with variations and challenges constantly encountered in the practice of medicine. Training to be a surgeon is a very long process, but it is important to consider where a surgeon has trained.  More is not necessarily better. Better is better. It is important to know how to do a procedure, but it is even more important to judge when a patient is a candidate to have that procedure done safely

At Halvorson Plastic Surgery, our practice philosophy is structured to allow Dr. Halvorson to spend one-on-one time with each patient to craft the best possible individual results.

Insurance Accepted

We accept most Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and Medicare plans, although we do not accept United or Medicaid.