Your choice of a plastic surgeon depends on several factors specific to your case, such as the surgery you require and the surgeon’s expertise.
In any case, make sure your plastic surgeon:
> is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) ;
> practiced plastic surgery within at least three years from obtaining certification;
> has hospital privileges for performing cosmetic plastic surgery;
> is in good standing with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; and
> has been recommended by other qualified surgeons for ASAPS membership;
If everything checks out, they you can ensure that your doctor:
> has wide experience in cosmetic procedures;
> works in a facility that is licensed, accredited or certified by Medicare; and
> observes a strict Code of Ethics, ensuring that patient care is provided at the highest standards, and patient rights are respected.
In the U.S., the first and only organization devoted to cosmetic surgery is none other than the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Members of this group are well known for their cosmetic surgery skills and experience.
Before becoming board-certified in plastic surgery, a doctor has to spend a minimum of five years in surgical training after finishing medical school. It is crucial to note that not all doctors using the title, “plastic surgeon” has been trained in plastic surgery and certified by the ABPS.
In most states, unfortunately, any medical doctor can perform plastic surgery, no matter if they have formal surgery training or not. If you choose a doctor who has is not well-trained in plastic surgery, safety may not be an issue, but the visible results may not please you at all.
You don’t have to confuse yourself with other official or even fancy-sounding boards and certifications. All you really need is a surgeon who is ABPS-certified; if they have this certification, that means they are fully qualified to perform reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
Members of ASAPS have all the required credentials for them to perform a variety of cosmetic surgeries. Before choosing a surgeon, be sure that the doctor satisfy all the requirements mentioned above. With anything that involves your health, you should never make compromises.
As well, all else being equal, go with a surgeon you can get along with. To know how you’ll probably get along with a certain prospect, seek a consultation.
Lastly, don’t limit yourself to a single doctor. Have at least two or three choices. It pays to make comparisons because this is the only way you can tell if a doctor is indeed the best for you.