Cosmetic Surgeon - A Few Questions to Ask Before Choosing One

1. Years ago a physician would become "board certified," for life. Because there is so much medical technology nowadays, it is imperative for a physician to have continuing education. It is now a requirement for a physician to re certify. That way, there is assurance that their knowledge is up-to-date.

2. Just so you know, being board certified is not a definite that you will have excellent results from your surgery procedure. But you can actually be sure that a board-certified plastic surgeon does have all the correct training as well as experience.

3. Understand the abbreviations after the doctor's name such as: MD, DO, FACS.

a. Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree:

-- Attended a four-year medical school

-- Learns allopathic or traditional medical practice

b. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree:

-- Attended a four-year osteopathic school

-- Learns holistic medicine as well as traditional medicine

c. Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS):

-- The doctor's training, education, competence, and conduct pass an intensive assessment

4. There are actually three primary boards. Each board is specifically related to plastic surgery:

a. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS):

-- Plastic Surgeon certification in the area of plastic surgery of the whole body which includes breast enhancement

-- Strictest surgical training

-- Highest certification there is for plastic surgery

b. The American Board of Facial Plastic / Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS):

-- Certification related to facial plastic and also reconstructive surgery

-- Requirements for certification are particularly related to surgery of the face, head, and neck, including face lift.

c. American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO):

-- Certification in otolaryngology and neck and head