How to choose a Plastic Surgeon?
Looking for the Fountain of Youth is a national pastime. Some of us look to nutrition; others work out to stay young, while still others look for magic in jars. But when those vitamins, face creams and crunches just aren't doing the trick, many of us turn to plastic surgery. Selecting the surgeon has to be the single most important factor in the success of your plastic surgery. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting your plastic surgeon.

Be sure that the plastic surgeon you choose has the following qualifications.

(1) Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Such certification means that the surgeon has completed his/her training to be a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, and also has passed the examinations given by American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are more and more physicians trained in Dermatology, Ear Nose and Throat Surgery, Opthamology and OBGyn surgery that list themselves as "cosmetic" surgeons! ABPS-certified plastic complete a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, including an accredited plastic surgery residency program. Prior to his rigorous Plastic Surgery Training, Dr. Mariotti trained for four years in general surgery at New England's busiest surgical hospital.

(2) ASAPS and ASPS. These stand for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. These societies are only open to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons and hold their members to a high code of ethics.

How to Check your Plastic Surgeons Credentials

(3) Hospital affiliation. Although many plastic surgery procedures are performed in the office, always check with your surgeon about his/her hospital affiliation and that he/she has the privileges to perform the procedure of your interest in that hospital. This tells you that other physician have reviewed the surgeons training and credentials, to ensure not only the physicians ability to perform any given procedure, but to ensure patient safety as well.

(4) Initial consultation with your surgeon. Make an appointment for an initial consultation with the surgeon you chose. The surgeon will be able to answer the rest of your questions, explain the procedure , its risks and potential complication for you. You should discuss with your surgeon your expectations, and any related matter that may affect your recovery like the nature of your job, smoking or drinking habits, other diseases or medications you are using, and any related personal matters . After you have verified the doctor's credentials, you should feel comfortable with your surgeon and feel assured he listens to your concerns before any surgery as that will tell you how much he or she will listen to any concerns you have after the surgery.

(5) References. Although it is not always possible to speak with other patients, due to the nature of the surgery, the best reference is a former patient or friend who has had a procedure performed by that doctor.

This is Happiness Surgery Finally, remember that this is happiness surgery. You should be happy with the doctor, the procedure, the timing, the anticipated recovery time, the cost and the result. Try to have realistic expectations. Taking the time to be an informed consumer is the important first step.