How So I Find a PS?

             I think  it is probably helpful to realize that there are plastic surgeons who perform sometimes thousands of procedures a year with very few revisions.   Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of necklifts and facial procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for taking the time ask a question. Finding the right surgeon can be a daunting task. As a patient, I first look to my family and close friends for their suggestions. They usually have an opinion from first or second hand experience. The best plastic surgeons build their practices through word of mouth by taking great care of patients. Therefore when evaluating a surgeon, try to speak with someone who has been seen or treated by a surgeon you are considering. If you can't get a recommendation this way, seek a referral from your physician. They may have "insider knowledge" that you can tap into. As a physician,  I put great value in making good referrals for my patients.  A final option is the internet or local magazines. Just remember, these are advertisements and the top results do not necessarily reflect the best surgeons. In any instance, below are some criteria to narrow your search.  

Your surgeons credentials should include fellowship training in Facial Plastic Surgery or General Plastic Surgery.  Also, experience counts. Make sure that facelift/necklift/lower facelift surgery is a large focus of their practice.  Evaluation of the surgeon's before & after results can help you appreciate their aesthetic and make sure it matches your own. Digital imaging can give you an idea of what your results may look like and make sure that you and your surgeon are of the same mind. Finally, you should like the surgeon that is going to operate on you. It is an honor for a patient to trust you with their care. You should get that impression from your surgeon.

I hope this helps. Take care

It's very important that you are comfortable with not only the surgeon but his whole office.  For you aren't comfortable with the doctors in your area I would suggest looking outside of your area.  Sometimes it's worth the travel for awesome results.  When visiting a doctor for consultation you want to make sure he can show you many before & after photos of his actual patients.  You can also request to speak with a patient that has had the same procedure you want.  Make sure the doctor is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  There are many "boards" but the American Society of Plastic Surgeons only certifies doctor that are trained specifically in plastic surgery.  Good luck in your search.