Researching and choosing your plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions one must make when deciding to undergo surgery. Below are several factors to consider when conducting your research.

 

First and foremost you will want to verify your surgeons’ credentials to see if he/she is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is earned by passing rigorous oral and written exams. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board that is exclusively devoted to plastic surgery and the only ABMS board that certifies physicians in the full range of plastic and reconstructive procedures. You will also want to ensure that your doctor has received formal training through an approved residency program devoted to plastic and reconstructive surgery. You can verify credentials by calling the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons or the American Board of Medical Specialties or visiting their websites.

 

In addition to board certification and training, you should also review whether or not the surgeon belongs to professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Both of these societies seek to ensure that proper training requirements have been met, and ethical principles are adhered to based upon their rigorous standards.

 

It is also important to examine your surgeon’s expertise based on how often he/she has performed the particular procedure you are interested in. How many years of experience does this particular surgeon have and how long has he/she been in practice for? You might also want to examine before and after photos to see the results that your surgeon has achieved.

 

A physician’s reputation in your community is also an important consideration. Ask other physicians about the doctor (s) you are considering. What has been the experience of your friends or acquaintances with that doctor?

 

Another factor to consider when researching your plastic surgeon is whether or not the surgeon has hospital privileges at the local hospitals around your town. The credentialing board of hospitals are made up of a doctors peers that establish rigorous criteria for that given specialty.

 

Finally, your consultation will speak volumes as to how you can expect to be treated as a patient. How thorough was your evaluation? Were your questions answered appropriately? What was the doctor’s demeanor?