How to Select a Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a plastic surgeon may be counted among the more important decisions of your life.  It is imperative that you select a plastic surgeon that has the requisite educational background, residency and fellowship training in reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery board certification.

There are many “providers” who purport themselves to be “plastic surgeons” or “cosmetic surgeons”, and it is quite confusing for the public, and difficult to determine who is the plastic surgeon you can trust.  Long before you have plastic surgery, you must first do your due diligence to first determine the credentials and qualifications of the plastic surgeon with whom you will work to achieve your goals.

The following is a list of points and prerequisites that will assist you in finding and selecting the right plastic surgeon:

Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – The plastic surgeon you choose for any cosmetic surgery or reconstructive plastic surgery procedure should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon).  The American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons.

Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Plastic surgeon members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons strive to provide the highest quality patient care and maintain professional and ethical standards in the practice of plastic surgery through education, research and advocacy.  Plastic surgeons in the Society must all be licensed physicians engaged in the practice of plastic surgery who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery –Plastic surgeon members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery must all be licensed physicians engaged in the practice of plastic surgery, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and must devote a significant portion of their plastic surgery practice to aesthetic surgery or cosmetic surgery.  Plastic surgeons are admitted to the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Society by invitation and only after the third year of plastic surgery practice after Board certification.

Hospital Appointment and Plastic Surgery Privileges – It is extremely important that your plastic surgeon have hospital privileges to practice plastic surgery at one (or more) hospitals.  Maintenance of plastic surgery staff admitting and operating privileges in plastic surgery at a hospital indicates that your plastic surgeon has been appropriately vetted by a hospital medical board and credentials committee, and that after careful scrutiny has been deemed qualified to perform cosmetic surgery and other plastic surgery procedures.

Accredited Surgery Center or Office Based Surgery Unit – As you choose your plastic surgeon, it is important, should you choose to have your plastic surgery in a non-hospital setting and rather in an outpatient facility, that your plastic surgeon performs plastic surgery procedures in an accredited facility.  Plastic surgery facilities and office based surgery suites should, and according to New York State Law must, be accredited by one of three organizations:  the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, and the Joint Commission.

Board Certified Anesthesiologists – It is important that you ask the plastic surgeon you are considering about the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your plastic surgery, and about the qualifications of your anesthesiologist.  Your anesthesiologist should also be Board Certified, and experienced in anesthesia for plastic surgery.  Plastic surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, “twilight” anesthesia or sedation, or under general anesthesia.  Always make sure that your plastic surgeon works with a board certified anesthesiologist.

Plastic Surgery Before and After Pictures – It is always helpful to get a sense of your plastic surgeon’s work and “aesthetics” by reviewing plastic surgery before and after pictures.  Before and after pictures in plastic surgery may aid in understanding certain goals and desires in cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery, but cannot guarantee and end result.  It is another way for you to further appreciate the work your plastic surgeon performs.

Cosmetic Surgery Experience – It is important that you ascertain the level of cosmetic surgery experience your plastic surgeon has.  Do not be reticent about asking about how many years your plastic surgeon has been performing cosmetic surgery, or how many particular cosmetic surgery procedures your plastic surgeon has performed or how often they are performed.

Plastic Surgery Patient Testimonials – Testimonials from individuals who have undergone similar cosmetic surgery procedures by your plastic surgeon can give you additional insights into your plastic surgeon and the plastic surgery practice.

Do Your Research – Information is the most important tool that you as an individual can gain from the process of selecting a plastic surgeon, so your decision will be an educated one. Friends and family who have had plastic surgery are always good resources.  The internet is also a good recourse for plastic surgery information, particularly from reputable sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s surgery.org, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ plasticsurgery.org.  There is, however, no substitute for a one-on-one consultation with an experienced, Board Certified plastic surgeon.

The Rapport with your Plastic Surgeon – The rapport you have with your plastic surgeon is very important.  It is vital that you and your plastic surgeon are “on the same page” with regard to your personal goals and desires in plastic surgery. The “doctor-patient relationship” is perhaps more important than any other in medicine and surgery, and considerable time must be spent so that your plastic surgeon understands your wishes, and that you come to trust and understand your plastic surgeon.  The plastic surgeon’s extensive education, years of training, level of artistry, and professional experience can truly be realized for you personally when you make that “connection”.  Always choose a plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable, of whom you feel you can ask any question, and in whom you trust.