As with any surgery, the single most important factor in the success of aesthetic plastic surgery is the surgeon you select. Do not take this responsibility lightly. 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 is why it is essential for you to understand what makes a surgeon qualified and research the qualifications of any surgeon that you are considering. We recommend that you conduct your own research to verify training and experience and weigh your decision carefully. There are a number of places and ways to examine a surgeon's credentials and we encourage you to check these out before having surgery.

Check for certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

Certification with the ABPS means that the surgeon has obtained an undergraduate degree and completed medical school, a minimum three year approved surgery residency and an additional two to three year approved plastic surgery residency. After completing these educational requirements, the candidate has to practice two years in plastic surgery and pass rigorous written and oral examinations administered by experienced plastic surgeons. It is important to note that the ABPS is the only nationally recognized board by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify the plastic surgery specialty. Do not be confused by any other official-sounding boards and certifications. Additionally, there is no separate, ABMS-recognized certifying board for cosmetic surgery. If there is confusion about a surgeon's board certification, you may consult the ABMS Directory of Certified Medical Specialists, which is available in most libraries.

Check for membership in The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)

The ASAPS has the strictest requirements of any plastic surgery organization for protecting the public. All members of this professional society are fully trained in plastic surgery and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. After medical school, applicants must also have completed at least three years of basic surgery training (usually general surgery), then two to three years of specialized plastic and reconstructive surgery training.  Recommendation by the training Program Director is mandatory, as well as passing both the oral and written board examination.  After board approval, there is a two-year waiting period before applications are accepted.  The majority of procedures that are performed in the physician's practice must be aesthetic procedures. From any patient's perspective, membership in this society gives the assurance that the surgeon has the training, experience and background that will yield a superior aesthetic result.

Check for membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Like the ASAPS, the ASPS requires its members to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The ASPS represents the full scope of plastic and reconstructive surgery and provides ongoing training and support to its members. Both the ASAPS and ASPS host annual meetings to discuss the latest innovations and techniques in plastic surgery.

Check the surgeon's hospital affiliations

All qualified hospitals have been accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO). An appointment to a surgical staff of an accredited hospital indicates that the surgeon's capabilities and performance have been reviewed and judged acceptable by medical colleagues. Be sure that your surgeon has hospital privileges to perform the specific surgical procedure that you are interested in, even if you plan to have your surgery performed in an ambulatory surgical center.

Talk candidly with the surgeon

After you have checked a surgeon's credentials, use the consultation appointment to ask questions about the surgery and discuss your expectations. A qualified and reputable plastic surgeon will be happy to spend time with you, answer your questions and inform you of all the possible risks and side-effects associated with surgery.