As with any surgery, the single most important factor in the success of cosmetic plastic surgery is the surgeon you select. Do not take this responsibility lightly. Conduct your own research to verify the surgeon's training and experience; then weigh your decision carefully. Here are some suggestions to help you evaluate which surgeon is right for you.

Find a surgeon in your area.

ABPS

Check for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery .

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification means that the surgeon has completed undergraduate college, medical school, and approved surgery residency of at least three years and an approved plastic surgery residency of an additional two or three years. Board certification is obtained only after the candidate has been in plastic surgery practice for at least two years and has passed rigorous written and oral examinations administered by experienced plastic surgeons.

Don't be confused by other official-sounding boards and certifications. The American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify in the plastic surgery specialty. There is no separate ABMS-recognized certifying board for cosmetic surgery.

Remember - in most states, it is legal for any physician who holds a medical license, with or without surgical training, to advertise as a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. That's why it is so important that a prospective patient understand board certification. If there is confusion about a surgeon's board certification, you can consult the ABMS Directory of Certified Medical Specialists Available in most libraries.

Check for membership in the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Members of these professional societies are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ASPRS represents the full scope of plastic surgery (reconstructive and aesthetic). Members of ASAPS are also fully trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery but have a special interest in aesthetic procedures.

Check for membership in the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. Members of the American College of Surgeons are referred to as "Fellows." The letters FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon's name mean that the surgeon's education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College.

After you have checked the credentials of the plastic surgeon, you should make an appointment for an initial consultation. Many surgeons offer this visit at no charge. During this consultation process, the surgeon will examine you, explain the operation and may give you literature describing preoperative considerations and postoperative care. You should feel comfortable discussing your expectations and questioning your surgeon on any aspect of the surgery. A qualified and reputable plastic surgeon will be happy to answer your questions and to inform you of the possible risks and side effects associated with surgery. These consultations are, by far, the best way to find out what cosmetic surgery can do for you.