How to Choose A Certified Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeon?

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it is important to consider a number of factors. Medical training and surgical experience are primary indicators of the surgeon’s qualifications.  Board certification is another important criterion. No single factor can guarantee you the best doctor for a specific procedure. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which surgeon is best for your specific goals and expectations.

To become a plastic surgeon, a doctor must obtain an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree. Following this, there are several paths the doctor may follow. Many doctors now spend five to six years in an integrated plastic surgery residency, although some complete three years of general surgery and two years in plastic surgery. 

What does it mean to be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Choosing a Board certified surgeon can be a very tough job because of the personal information being shared. Just open the yellow pages, magazines, brochures or view news paper advertisements and you’ll find plastic surgeons promoting all kinds of society memberships and board certifications but don’t be confused between boards and societies. Societies are merely professional associations. Board certification is the minimum criterion you should use in selecting a plastic surgeon. So, it is very important that you learn about the doctor’s education, training, certification, and experience in order to guarantee a successful outcome and to make the best choice.

Beware of lots of Letters after the Doctor’s Name:
Many fraudulent doctors’ have quite a few letters after their names. In fact, multiple letters may be the telltale sign of an inadequately trained doctor trying to impress the public. Definitely, your doctor should have the letters M.D (Medical Doctor) or D.O (Doctor of Osteopathy) after his name. He might even have one or more master’s degrees or might also have PhD but these degrees are irrelevant to plastic surgery. Patients are advised to select a board certified plastic surgeon.

Guide to choose a Plastic Surgeon:

• Get Referrals: Begin your search for a plastic surgeon by asking friends, relatives, family doctor, colleagues that are willing to meet with you and share their results of the surgery. Hospital staff such as nurses, surgeons and anesthesiologist is also excellent sources of referrals. You may also do research on the internet, magazines, or in the yellow pages. Chances are a few names will stand out from the others. It will help give you the best possible recommendations.

• Check the qualifications of the surgeon: One of the most important qualifications you should look for in a plastic surgeon is that they are board certified but you must need to know what board has certified your plastic surgeon and be sure that the surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school.

• Meet the surgeon: Look at pictures of past procedures done by the surgeon. Choose an ethical and confident surgeon and friendly staff members for a long lasting relationship and you should expect good communication, understanding and comfort from the surgeon.