Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon: A Comprehensive Guide

IF you are thinking about having plastic surgery done, then you shouldn't take choosing a plastic surgeon lightly. If you are trusting someone with your physical appearance, do your homework and choose a surgeon who has the right credentials and will give you the look that you want.

Consultation

• Schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon of your choice. While meeting with her, make sure you ask questions to get a sense of her general style. Look out for surgeons who pressure you into more surgery than you want, or who don't answer your questions thoroughly.

Credentials

• When you go in for a consultation, make sure to ask about the plastic surgeon's credentials. This includes her degrees and training, her certification, if she has an active license, and if she is a member of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. This means that she's been pre-screened and deemed worthy to be a member because of a good record and the right education.

Referrals

• If you ask your family care practitioner or other doctor about plastic surgeons, listen to their advice about which plastic surgeons they've worked with before and liked. Or ask the plastic surgeon during your consult for the names of some medical professionals he has worked with. Then call and get an opinion about how good the plastic surgeon is.

Malpractice Insurance

• Know your potential plastic surgeon's malpractice history. You can head to the local courthouse and ask them to pull all malpractice suits from a potential plastic surgeon; those lawsuits are public files. Also, ask if your plastic surgeon carries malpractice insurance, so that you're covered on the off-chance that something may happen.

Specialties

• Ask your plastic surgeon about his specialties. If you want rhinoplasty done, look for a plastic surgeon who specializes in it. You'll find that he probably has had more patients and more practice in that specialty.