| From facelifts to body lifts, nose jobs to | | | | Ask for testimonials - |
| liposuction ... a growing number of people are | | | | Ask to speak to patients who have had the |
| interested in improving their appearance through | | | | procedure you are considering. A quality plastic |
| the use of cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, many | | | | surgery practice will have names available for you |
| spend more time choosing their wardrobe than | | | | so do not be shy about asking. Ask your doctor |
| they do researching their cosmetic surgeon. | | | | about complications or problems that may arise. |
| As a practicing plastic surgeon, I can assure you | | | | Be prepared and know the risks. He or she should |
| that the long term consequences of getting a | | | | be willing to discuss these and offer explanations |
| poor doctor can be difficult. Avoid hassles and | | | | on what will happen if there is a problem. Ask for |
| heartache by following this list of tips for finding a | | | | before and after photos of previous patients. The |
| good doctor. | | | | photos should have a nice composition, be clear |
| Certification is essential | | | | and show an easily comparable image. |
| One of the most important criteria is making sure | | | | Ask about hospital privileges - |
| the surgeon has board certification in plastic | | | | Ask your surgeon if he or she keeps privileges at |
| surgery from the American Board of Medical | | | | local hospitals. This will allow your surgeon to treat |
| Specialties. A surgeon who is certified by this | | | | you at the hospital if you have any complications. |
| organization or the American Board of Plastic | | | | Plus, if a doctor doesn't have hospital privileges, or |
| Surgery has graduated from an accredited | | | | has lost them, that is a bad sign of a problem |
| medical school and completed at least five years | | | | doctor |
| of training as a surgical resident. This includes a | | | | Are they helpful and friendly? - |
| minimum of five years of residency training in all | | | | When you call the doctor's office for the first |
| areas of surgery, including two years devoted | | | | time, is the staff friendly? Do they try to help |
| entirely to plastic surgery. | | | | you or do they treat you just like a number? At |
| Beware that cosmetic surgery in particular is ripe | | | | your preliminary consultation, make sure you feel |
| with examples of non-qualified practitioners setting | | | | like your surgeon is listening to you and you feel |
| up shop and performing medical treatments they | | | | comfortable discussing your needs and desires |
| are not properly trained to do. This practice puts | | | | with him or her. |
| unsuspecting clients at unnecessary risk. Do not | | | | Choosing the right plastic surgeon is critical. |
| assume a practitioner is certified. Ask. | | | | Your satisfaction with the results depends on |
| Check references | | | | making sure you choose a qualified practitioner. |
| Ask friends or family for recommendations. Ask | | | | Follow these tips for choosing a plastic surgeon. |
| your primary-care physician for references. Check | | | | Ask a few key questions and find a physician with |
| online databases of licensing boards to investigate | | | | whom you feel comfortable. By doing so, you can |
| whether any lawsuits or disciplinary actions have | | | | help ensure that you will get your best cosmetic |
| been filed against the doctor. Each State maintains | | | | results. |
| their own registry. | | | | |