How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon: 3 Important Questions

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Choosing the right plastic surgeon to conduct your cosmetic surgery is essential to fully achieving your overall goals. As such an imperative decision, there are a number of determining factors and credentials to consider when selecting your plastic surgeon. To aid you in the selection process, I’ve put together a basic checklist that will enable you to make a more informed decision and help you choose the right plastic surgeon.

Is Your Plastic Surgeon Board-Certified?

The best way to ensure your plastic surgeon has the proper qualifications is to determine if he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Certification granted by ABPS indicates that your plastic surgeon has received extensive training through an accredited plastic surgery program, demonstrated a high level of performance on a comprehensive variety of plastic surgery procedures, and passed both an oral and written exam conducted by the Board.

Does Your Plastic Surgeon Have Experience?

Although younger doctors may often boast lower prices, the experience level of a plastic surgeon is value added to any procedure and a factor that needs to be taken into account when choosing your surgeon. Additionally, identifying whether or not your plastic surgeon is a trainer for any particular procedures or techniques is also a great way to measure his or her experience level. For example, I’m a trainer for gummy bear breast implants and VASER^® Shape. This means I have received advanced training with this particular implant option and body-contouring procedure, providing me the experience and expertise to instruct other surgeons on how to successfully utilize both techniques.

Is Your Plastic Surgeon Involved in Continuing Education?

Continuing education is essential for every plastic surgeon’s growth and advancement in the field. Participating in annual cosmetic surgery meetings and conventions gives plastic surgeons access to the latest information and techniques available, while also providing the opportunity to share personal experiences and hone their skills. As an example, I remain very active in medical organizations such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS). Personally, I have found that attending and lecturing in meetings held by these organizations have helped me to continually improve the level of care I provide my patients day in and day out.

Another aspect of continuing education involves a plastic surgeon’s participation in ongoing medical studies. These studies can encompass anything from documenting reports for a particular procedure to testing a new product or technique. In my experience, medical studies in which I have participated – most notably the research behind my collaborative 20-year breast augmentation paper on a technique called Transaxillary Subpectoral Augmentation Mammaplasty (TASPA) – have enabled me to track and monitor results over time, ultimately helping me to enhance the results I am able to achieve for my patients.

The Final Decision

It is important to note that just because a plastic surgeon passes all the criteria above, it does not mean he or she is necessarily the best fit for you. In order to most effectively achieve your goals, you need to develop a successful relationship with your plastic surgeon, centered around communication. This includes being able to discuss what treatments or procedures will be right for you in the long run, as well as what results can realistically be attained. Do not be afraid to ask questions of a prospective plastic surgeon. He or she should be extremely forthcoming with you, particularly about their credentials, experience, techniques, and other aspects of their histories and procedures that may or may not be the best options for your unique needs.