Find a Cosmetic Surgeon | Choose a Plastic Surgeon | Questions to Ask Before Cosmetic Surgery

Find a Cosmetic Surgeon

If you've decided you want cosmetic surgery, it's essential to find the best cosmetic surgeon possible. There are no guarantees, but there are steps you can take as you make your choice.

Accreditation for cosmetic surgeons

If you've explored all the non-surgical options, and decided to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, you want the best. It's important to look for a doctor who is board certified, for example with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery ® (ABPS) which certifies physicians in the field of plastic surgery for the body and face; the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPR) which certifies doctors in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery); and/or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada ®. Organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons also have a set of standards the doctors must meet. There are also related fields, in which there are certifying boards. For example, the American Board of Dermatology certifies physicians in the field of dermatology or skin care, and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO) certifies doctors in head and neck surgery. In Canada, all medical specialties are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Canadian organizations also include the Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery, and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. In Australia, cosmetic surgeons may be members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. In Great Britain, plastic surgeons can be members of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons or BAPRAS. Look into the doctor's training, what medical school did he or she attend and what was his or her specialty. Ask about ongoing training and continuing medical education (CME).

Make sure the doctor is trained and specializes in the cosmetic procedure you are considering. For example, if you are considering a face-lift or nose job, you want someone who specializes in facial plastic surgery. If you are considering a tummy tuck or butt lift, you'd want someone who specializes in body cosmetic surgery. If you are considering liposuction for your stomach, hips, rear, arms neck, back or face, you want someone who specializes in doing liposuction surgery. Ask how many years the doctor has been performing this type of surgery. If you are looking for laser skin resurfacing, make sure your doctor has a specialty in laser cosmetic surgery.

Make sure the doctor only operates in accredited hospitals, accredited surgery centers, or accredited plastic surgery offices. None of this guarantees a good outcome, but it does help reduce the risk of a bad one.

Questions to ask a cosmetic surgeon

Look for a cosmetic surgeon who takes the time beforehand to talk with you about your procedure. Questions to ask can include:

• What are the risks and potential complications of this cosmetic surgery?
• What steps do you take to reduce these risks?
• What can I realistically expect as far as improvement?
• What will the cosmetic procedure feel like?
• What will I feel like afterward?
• How long is the recovery period and when Will I resume normal activities?
• What special precautions do I need to take before and after the surgery?
• Do I really need this procedure? Are there any non-surgical alternatives?

Make sure you feel that the doctor is answering all your questions and not rushing you into any decision.

Cost of cosmetic surgery

Make sure that you discuss price. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance and it is not cheap. Botox injections or fillers can cost several hundred dollars per area. Procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lifts, arm lifts and tummy tucks can cost $5000 to $10,000. Face lifts, eyelid surgery, brow lifts can cost $5000 to $10,000. Dermabrasions can cost several thousand dollars. Laser hair removal can cost several hundred dollars. Liposuction can cost several thousand dollars to $10,000. Cosmetic laser surgery is also pricy. Lasers for spider veins and laser tattoo removal can cost several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars depending on the area.

While cost is a concern, do not choose a cosmetic surgeon on the basis of price alone or special deals, however. The decision to have cosmetic surgery is serious, one you'll have to live with the rest of your life, and you want to make sure you have the best possible outcome.

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Updated September 2008

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