Choosing a plastic surgeon is the biggest decision in any surgery. Before you choose anyone in Westchester, ask every surgeon you meet the same five questions. Below, each question is followed by Bellava’s own answer forDr. Chang Soo Kim, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bedford Hills, Westchester County, NY, at182 Rte 117 Bypass Rd, Bedford Hills, NY 10507.
1. Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Many doctors call themselves “board-certified”, but in a different specialty. For cosmetic surgery of the breast, body or face, the certification to look for is the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
At Bellava: Dr. Kim is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of theAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons. He earned his medical degree at Yale School of Medicine and completed his plastic surgery residency at Yale–New Haven Hospital.
2. Where is the surgery performed?
Ask where the operation is done, whether that operating room is accredited, and who gives the anesthesia.
At Bellava: Dr. Kim operates in Bellava’s own Joint Commission accredited outpatient surgical suite in Bedford Hills — outpatient, with no hospital stay. Anesthesia is given by a certified anesthesiologist, and the quote from your consultation covers the surgeon, anesthesia and the facility together.
3. Can I see before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s own patients?
Photos should be of that surgeon’s own patients, for the procedure you are considering — not stock pictures or a manufacturer’s samples.
At Bellava: Dr. Kim’s patients’ results are in thebefore & after gallery, and each surgery page — for exampletummy tuck, breast augmentationand mommy makeover — shows that procedure’s own before and afters.
4. What happens if I need a revision?
Ask every surgeon what happens if a result needs a touch-up or a second operation: who decides it is needed, what it would cost (surgeon, anesthesia and facility), and how long that applies after your surgery. Ask for the answer in writing with your quote, so you can compare surgeons like for like.
At Bellava: ask Dr. Kim at your consultation — he will go through it with you before you decide.
5. Have I compared two or three consultations?
Meeting two or three board-certified surgeons is the surest way to know you have the right one. Compare how each one listens, what they recommend and why, what is included in the quote, and how you felt in the room.
At Bellava: your first consultation with Dr. Kim is free, private and without obligation — there is no pressure to proceed. Financing is available through Cherry or CareCredit, subject to approval (see financing options).
What happens at your consultation with Dr. Kim
- Arranging it. Surgical consultations are not booked online. Send the consultation request form, or call or text (914) 809-9693, and Bellava’s patient coordinator gets back to you to set a time.
- Your goals. Dr. Kim listens to your concerns and talks through realistic goals with you.
- Your examination. He assesses your anatomy and answers your questions honestly.
- Your plan. He recommends the most appropriate procedure for your goals and develops a personalized plan.
- Your quote. You receive a quote for your plan that covers the surgeon, anesthesia and the facility together.
There is no pressure to proceed.
Book your free consultation with Dr. Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a plastic surgeon in Westchester?
Check that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ask where the operation is done and whether that operating room is accredited, look at before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s own patients, ask what happens if you need a revision, and compare two or three consultations. At Bellava, Dr. Chang Soo Kim, MD is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and operates in Bellava’s Joint Commission accredited surgical suite in Bedford Hills.
Is Dr. Kim a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Yes. Dr. Chang Soo Kim, MD is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He earned his medical degree at Yale School of Medicine and completed his plastic surgery residency at Yale–New Haven Hospital.
Where does Dr. Kim perform surgery?
In Bellava’s own Joint Commission accredited outpatient surgical suite at 182 Rte 117 Bypass Rd, Bedford Hills, NY 10507. Anesthesia is given by a certified anesthesiologist.
Is a consultation with Dr. Kim free?
Yes. Your first consultation with Dr. Kim is free, private and without obligation. Consultations are arranged by Bellava’s patient coordinator rather than booked online: send the request form, or call or text (914) 809-9693.