“There are many decisions to make when you're considering plastic surgery—but the one with the biggest impact on the outcome of your surgery is your choice of a qualified plastic surgeon. Here are a few guidelines to help you make an informed decision.”

Be sure the doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon

“First of all, you have to know you're dealing with an actual plastic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery—someone who is not a dermatologist, not a gynecologist who took a weekend course.”

“Many people don't realize that a doctor does not have to be board-certified to practice plastic surgery. And some surgeons who claim to be board-certified may indeed be—but not in plastic surgery. For example, a doctor might be board-certified in dermatology or obstetrics and gynecology.”

“The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties which certifies in the full spectrum of the specialty of plastic surgery of the entire body—that is, plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, trunk and extremities.

“You can verify a surgeon's board certification by visiting the American Board of Medical Specialties' web site

Look for a surgeon who's a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

“Plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or ASPS, are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada.

“To become an ASPS member, a surgeon has to complete a combination of at least five years of general surgery with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training. ASPS member surgeons operate only in accredited medical facilities and adhere to a strict code of ethics. They must also fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.”

Choose a plastic surgeon with experience

“I advise choosing a plastic surgeon with at least a couple of years of experience. In your consultation, ask the doctor, ‘How many of these procedures have you done?’”

Make sure the doctor has hospital admitting privileges

“Does the plastic surgeon you're considering have admitting privileges at a decent hospital in your area? There are surgeons who don't—and then if you get into trouble during or after surgery and need to go to the hospital, what are you going to do?”

Be sure the outpatient surgical facility is accredited

“For your safety, the outpatient surgical facility where the surgeon operates should be accredited by an independent accrediting organization, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).”

Choose a doctor who listens

“Good communication between you and your plastic surgeon is essential for a good outcome. Choose a surgeon who asks you questions to help him or her understand your personal goals for plastic surgery. If the surgeon seemed hurried or distracted during your consultation, chances are you did not have his or her full attention.”

Good doctors are good communicators

“Be sure the surgeon you choose takes the time to answer your questions thoroughly in clear, non-technical language. If a plastic surgeon can't communicate what you need to know about a procedure, find a surgeon who can.

“Your surgeon should explain the procedures you are considering, and answer your questions thoroughly and clearly. He or she should also inform you of the risks of surgery and possible outcomes.”

The decision is yours

“It's the surgeon's job to understand your goals for plastic surgery, answer your questions, inform you about the procedures you're considering and make recommendations. But the final choice on whether to have plastic surgery—and if so, which procedure—is yours alone. Beware of any surgeon's office that tries to pressure you into making a decision.”

Notice how the office staff treats you

“When you went to the doctor's office for a consultation, was his office staff friendly and efficient? How did they treat you? After your operation, you'll be dealing with the office staff as much as the doctor, so you need to be comfortable.”

Bottom line: Are you comfortable with the surgeon?

“Let's say you're satisfied with your consultation with a plastic surgeon. You've done your homework and verified his or her plastic surgery board certification and experience, and are satisfied with the before and after photos presented to you. The doctor communicated with you clearly and you feel comfortable that he or she understands your goals for plastic surgery.

“Now you need to ask yourself a simple question: ‘Would I feel confident having this surgeon operate on me?’ If you have any hesitation whatsoever, you need to evaluate more plastic surgeons.”

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