Choosing a qualified Surgeon
As with any surgery, the single most important factor in the success of aesthetic plastic surgery is the surgeon you select. Do not take this responsibility lightly. Conduct your own research to verify the surgeon's training and experience; then weigh your decision carefully. There are a number of ways to evaluate which surgeon is right for you.

Check for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification means that the surgeon has completed undergraduate college, medical school, an approved surgery residency of at least three years and an approved plastic surgery residency of an additional two to three years. Board certification then is obtained only after the candidate has been in plastic surgery practice for at least two years and has passed rigorous written and oral examinations administered by experienced plastic surgeons.

Don't be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify in the plastic surgery specialty. There is no separate, ABMS-recognized certifying board for cosmetic surgery.

Remember, in most states it is legal for any physician who holds a medical license, with or without surgical training, to advertise as a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. That's why understanding board certification is so important for the prospective patient.

If there is confusion about a surgeon's board certification, you may consult the ABMS Directory of Certified Medical Specialists available at most libraries.

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Check for membership in:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Members of these professional societies are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ASPS represents the full scope of plastic surgery (reconstructive and aesthetic).

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Members of ASAPS are also fully trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery but have a special interest in aesthetic procedures.

Check the surgeon's hospital affiliation. Qualified hospitals have been accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). An appointment to a surgical staff of an accredited hospital indicates that a surgeon's capabilities and performance have been reviewed and judged acceptable by medical colleagues. Be sure that your surgeon has hospital privileges to perform the specific surgical procedure in which you are interested even if you plan to have your surgery performed in an office-based surgical facility.

Talk candidly with the surgeon. After you have checked the credentials of a plastic surgeon, you should make an appointment for an initial consultation. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine you, explain the operation and may give you literature describing preoperative considerations and postoperative care. You should feel comfortable discussing your expectations and questioning your surgeon on any aspect of the surgery. A qualified and reputable plastic surgeon will be happy to answer your questions and to inform you of the possible risks and side effects associated with surgery.

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