Finding a cosmetic surgeon that you have confidence in and are comfortable talking to is
extremely important when you are considering cosmetic surgery or procedures. You and
your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that both meets your needs and
is realistic.
No other factor may influence the results of cosmetic surgery as strongly as the
doctor's level of experience. Don't be afraid to ask about the doctor's experience with
the particular procedure you are considering. Request before-and-after photographs of
other people who have had the procedure done, and ask to see the worst results as well
as the typical and best results.
Doctors with special training in cosmetic surgery may be board-certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is the largest affiliation of doctors
who have training in cosmetic surgery, although they are more likely to be board-
certified in a specialty other than plastic surgery, such as dermatology.
You will have a greater chance of being happy with the results of cosmetic surgery if
you find a cosmetic surgeon who listens to you and understands what you want to achieve.
People differ in what they consider an ¡°ideal¡± face, nose, breast, or body type. Your
and your doctor's vision of what is ideal may not be the same. Make sure that your
doctor understands what you want. Also remember that cosmetic surgery is done to enhance
your own appearance and not necessarily to duplicate that of someone whose physical
appearance you admire.
It is important to understand and accept what can and cannot be achieved with cosmetic
surgery, based on your skin or body type, age, medical history, the surgeon's
experience, the limits of technology, and other factors. A good cosmetic surgeon can
help you understand how these factors affect your cosmetic surgery options.
Take your time finding a cosmetic surgeon that you like and trust. Ask your health
professional for recommendations, and contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,
the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, or the American
Academy of Cosmetic Surgery for a list of qualified surgeons in your area.
Any licensed medical doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery, but the levels of
training and experience in cosmetic surgery vary widely. Some procedures are less
complicated and require less training to learn and practice safely. Doctors who most
commonly perform cosmetic surgery and procedures include:
Dermatologists. Dermatologists specialize in problems of the skin. Some may have
additional training in some types of cosmetic surgery and qualify for membership in the
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons. These doctors are board-certified specialists in
plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery and have multiple years of training in these
fields. All members of the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons are board-certified in
plastic surgery.
Otolaryngologists, also called ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists. Many of these
doctors have additional training in plastic surgery of the head and neck and may belong
to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or the American
Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
In addition, the following types of doctors may sometimes perform cosmetic procedures or
surgery. If they have had training in cosmetic surgery, they may belong to the American
Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
General surgeons
Emergency medicine specialists
General practitioners
Family practice physicians
Internists
You may also check the credentials of any outpatient surgery center you are considering
to make sure it is safe and reliable. Look for clinics that have a well-established
track record for good results and high-quality service, and avoid those that do not. The
facility should be licensed by the state in which it is located and accredited by a
nationally recognized accrediting organization. To check a facility's accreditation
status, contact the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery
Facilities (847-949-6058); the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (847-
676-9610); or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (847-916-
5600).
Other sources of helpful information include consumer health groups, people who have had
cosmetic surgery, other doctors, books and articles, and the Internet. However, do not
put too much trust in before-and-after photos you may find on the Internet. Some may
have been altered by computer or are likely to represent an extremely positive result,
not necessarily a typical result. In either case, before-and-after photos on the
Internet may give you a false impression of the results you can expect.
Cosmetic surgery is not an emergency procedure, so there is no reason to rush into it.
Do not be pressured into making a quick decision. Get as much information as you need to
feel comfortable about your decision.
