Thinking Plastic

Choosing a Surgeon

Selecting a surgeon is as important as selecting your surgery. Botched surgeries are rare, but they can happen.. Be sure to ask lots of questions when considering any kind of cosmetic surgery.

Most important: The doctor should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, the only certifying board for cosmetic surgeons, regulated by the American Board of Medical Specialties. A quick visit to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site, www.plasticsurgery.org, will let you know if your doctor is certified, if you prefer not to ask outright. (The site also has a wealth of other resources, from detailed information on procedures to the latest research.)

Second, you should ask to see before-and-after pictures of former patients, particularly those who have had the procedureyou are considering. Remember that the photos you are shown likely represent the surgeon's best work.

Ask about a surgeon's education, training and experience. Has the doctor performed a good number of your type of surgery? Did he study with experts in that procedure? Does the doctor have hospital privileges in the area? (Hospitals have among the most stringent requirements in granting such privileges, so if a surgeon has them, you can be fairly confident of his qualifications.) Can you talk to a few of the doctor's previous patients about their experience?

Finally, are you comfortable with the surgeon? Does he listen? Is his staff helpful, supportive and available? Remember that even though this is elective surgery, it is invasive and does carry risks. Take every precaution to ensure your safety and satisfactory results