What to Look for in a Facial Plastic Surgeon

So you've decided once and for all to get facial plastic surgery. Your next step is to find a facial plastic surgeon that is highly qualified and specializes in the procedure you want but it doesn't stop there. Just because a facial plastic surgery center or surgeon has been on one of the many TV shows about plastic surgery does not mean he or she is a good surgeon. There are many factors that come into play when you have to decide on a facial plastic surgeon, some of which include educational background, board certification, continued medical education, state medical licensure, and reputation. We are going to go over the most important things to look out for when trying to decide on a facial plastic surgeon.

Look Beyond Certificates Hanging on the Wall

You might think that a facial plastic surgeon is good enough just because you saw lots of diplomas and certificates hanging on the wall in their office. In order to make sure a facial plastic surgeon is really board certified, you need to check with the certifying body in the U.S., which is known as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Many facial plastic surgeons say they are board certified but it turns out that they actually specialize in something that has nothing to do with plastic surgery so you have to verify this information always.

In order for a facial plastic surgeon to be qualified to do facial plastic surgery, he or she must be board certified in plastic surgery, otolaryngology, dermatology, general surgery, or ophthalmology. Some facial plastic surgeons say they are "board eligible" which means they qualify to take the exam and get certified but still haven't done it. If you come across any surgeon that fits this description, ask them why they are not certified and if he or she has taken continuing medical education courses related to facial plastic surgery.

A State Medical License is Not Always a Given

You might automatically think that if a doctor is a practicing facial plastic surgeon, that he or she is licensed by the state. You have to be very careful because there are plenty of scam artists out there. Check with the state medical board to make sure the facial plastic surgeons you are considering have been licensed. You can also learn more about their work history that way and if they have any history of regulatory actions.

Make Sure Your Facial Plastic Surgeon has Taken Continuing Education Courses There is nothing more frightening than allowing a facial plastic surgeon to operate on you who hasn't been trained in the latest methods and hasn't even opened up a medical textbook since medical school. Most states require that facial plastic surgeons take Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses. Check with your state's medical board for more information.

So there you have it. Make sure any facial plastic surgeon you are considering has the credentials to back them up. You can't rely on initial impressions. To be safe you are going to have to do a little research. It will prove worthwhile when you find a reliable and skilled facial plastic surgeon whom you can trust with your time, money, and most of all, appearance.