How to choose a surgeon for your cosmetic procedure

Many more people than ever before are undergoing plastic surgery procedures every year. However, when it comes to surgery there is always a risk, and "cheaper" is usually never better.  So how do you pick the right surgeon for your procedure?  Well, here are some ways to search for the best surgeon for your procedure:

     Make sure your surgeon is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
What the general public does not often realize is all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons. However, all cosmetic surgeons are not plastic surgeons!
Legally, any doctor can perform any procedure. So, technically, a dermatologist could give you a breast lift, but that doesn't mean they have the extensive training and expertise, just a lower price in many cases.
Check the doctor's credentials and their record with your state medical board.
Remember, just because it's called a ‘Mom Job' doesn't mean it's a packaged deal.
Don't agree to procedures you don't want or need. Doctors warn the more work done at once, usually means more risks.
A ‘Mommy Makeover' isn't about getting a picture perfect body. For many women, it's about getting back the body they had before giving birth to their baby.

Altogether, the procedures involve major surgery and cost major bucks.

During any pre-op consultation with your plastic surgeon, be sure to arrive at their office armed with a list of questions, and ask how often they have performed the procedure in which you're interested in.
Additional Information:

• Legally any doctor is permitted to do any procedure. For example, a psychiatrist could do a breast augmentation. If you use a board-certified plastic surgeon, you know he or she has completed three to five years of training in general surgery and a minimum of two to three years of training in plastic surgery, plus they have to take written and oral tests.
• Board-certified plastic surgeons also have to do continuing medical education and take a written test every 10 years.
• Check the surgeon's record.
• Malpractice judgments and disciplinary actions can be found through a state Medical Board.
• Ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges.
• Hospitals do background checks.
• Come armed with questions for the doctor.
• Find out how often he or she has done the procedure you're interested in.
• Be wary of multiple procedures. More procedures at once equal more risk.
• Call the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (toll-free at 1-888-4-PLASTIC, or 1-888-475-2784) to get a list of surgeons in your area who perform a certain procedure and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have graduated from an accredited medical school, completed at least five additional years of residency (typically three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery), practiced plastic surgery for at least two more years, and passed comprehensive exams.
• Click here to find questions you should ask a plastic surgeon: plasticsurgery.org