Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a highly personal and important decision in selecting a well trained, qualified cosmetic surgeon. Who are the "real" cosmetic surgeons? This article will help guide you in finding that "real" cosmetic surgeon.

Start nationally by calling the national medical societies. Your potential cosmetic surgeon should be a member in good standing. This is the simplest and easiest way to determine whether a physician is potentially qualified to perform cosmetic surgery. Membership in these medical societies is usually related to the cosmetic surgeon's becoming board certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties. The three recognized societies are:

1. American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 800-635-635 www.plasticsurgery.org

2. American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 800-332-FACE www.facial-plastic-surgery.org

3. American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery 312-572-6713 www.cosmeticsurgery.org

Now call the Department of Professional Regulations or the Board of Medicine in your state to verify the cosmetic surgeon you are interested in is licensed in your state. Check to see that your physician's specialty is in fact cosmetic surgery and not just any physician doing cosmetic surgery. Locally, check if the cosmetic surgeon has not only admission hospital privileges but also has surgical privileges at a major hospital in the area close to their office. Yes! Call the hospitals in your area. Ask other physicians you use or know who are the qualified cosmetic surgeons they recommend. Call hospital emergency room nurses, who see cosmetic surgeons frequently in accident cases, whom they would choose. Next, ask friends whom they have used for cosmetic surgery. Then call your attorney, yes I said attorney. I am sure most attorneys know who the qualified cosmetic surgeons are.

You are now ready to make an appointment. I recommend seeing at least two cosmetic surgeons. Consultations by some cosmetic surgeons are sometimes complimentary, while others charge a nominal fee. Be sure the consultation fee is fully understood before your appointment is made.

During the office visit, you and your "real" cosmetic surgeon will discuss your problem area and your expectations. This next sentence is the most important to remember. YOU, as a patient, MUST have realistic expectations regarding the successful outcome of your cosmetic surgery.

After careful discussion of your problem area, the cosmetic surgeon will advise the best choices and the best procedures to achieve the desired results. To help you make an informed decision, the cosmetic surgeon may give and show you literature, textbooks, journals, photographs and computer imaging that goes into greater detail about your desired procedure. Remember that cosmetic surgery is surgery and there are inherent risks just like any surgical procedure. Your "real" cosmetic surgeon should provide you information not only about your surgery, but all the details including possible risks and complications.

You are the patient. You MUST research who are the "real" cosmetic surgeons in your area...so "Will the Real Cosmetic Surgeon PLEASE standup!"

What questions should I ask?

1. Are you certified in Cosmetic Surgery?

2. Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? At which hospitals?

3. Where will you perform my surgery?

4. How many procedures of this type have you performed?

5. Can I contact some of your former patients who have had this procedure?

6. How long of a recovery period can I expect?

7. Will I be required to take off work? For how long?

8. How much will my procedure cost?

9. Are there financing options available?



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