Choosing a Surgeon - Find a qualified plastic surgeon near you.

Qualifications

Choosing a qualified and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is not easy, considering the fact there are many licensed medical doctors who perform plastic surgery procedures, yet are not specifically trained and certified in the field of plastic surgery. Only surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) are specifically trained to perform plastic surgery procedures. The ABPS is the only board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), to certify medical doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery of the face and body.

In order to become board-certified in plastic surgery, a medical doctor must have:

• Graduated from an accredited medical school
• Completed a three year residency in general surgery*
• Completed a two year residency in plastic surgery*
• Completed comprehensive written and oral board examinations
• Hold a valid medical license in the state actively practicing

* Residency programs have to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

The type of training a surgeon received, like that of a board-certified plastic surgeon, is a good indication of his or her ability to provide you with experienced and safe cosmetic surgery. It is important to understand however, that no credential, such as board-certification is an absolute guarantee of individual results. With this in mind it is sensible to choose a surgeon who has received extensive plastic surgery training and has experience with cosmetic surgery procedures.

Besides a surgeon's qualifications, such as board-certification, you should also evaluate:

• The Surgeon's Experience
• The Initial Consultation
• Your Instincts

The Surgeon's Experience

The level of experience the surgeon has accounts a great deal for the safe and successful outcome of the surgical procedure. Generally speaking the more experienced a surgeon, the safer you should feel in his or her hands. It is important to feel absolutely confident about the surgeon's abilities to perform your cosmetic surgery procedure.

Typically a surgeon with extensive medical and surgical experience knows how to deal with unexpected events during a surgery, in addition is able to minimize the possible complications you may have during and after a particular procedure. This knowledge can mean a shorter and smoother recovery period after your procedure. In addition the surgeon should be up to date with newer and more advanced surgical techniques and procedures. Be sure to ask the surgeon about his or her background and surgical experience.