It is important to do some upfront work to make it more likely that you have a qualified surgeon and excellent outcome.
First, make sure the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You want the skill of a doctor with more than six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years specifically in plastic surgery. This training and experience make them qualified to perform your procedure. Check whether the physician is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (www.plasticsurgery.org) and/or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (www.surgery.org).
In addition, it is important to determine if the physician has hospital privileges to perform the procedure and at which hospitals. Be sure that the surgical facility is accredited. Find out how many of these procedures the physician has done.
Finally, ask for names of patients who have had the procedure that you can talk to. Don't hesitate to ask for patient photos as well.
Together, these will likely make your decision a good one.
