The credentials of a plastic surgeon are of utmost importance
. Both the certification as well as the training of the physician needs to correlate with the kind of surgeries that he performs on a regular basis. Research and verify the doctor's credentials. Find out if he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and also if he is a member of the organization known as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Where does the plastic surgeon work out of? Does he perform surgery at a local hospital or at his own private clinic? Setting is relevant so pay close attention to the location where your operation will take place. A medical setting is always the most appropriate choice. If the cosmetologist does not work at a hospital then take the time to find out if his office facility has received accreditation either by a national agency such as the ASAPS or has been licensed through the state board. It is also perfectly acceptable for the doctor's facility to be certified by Medicare.
You need to find out what privileges the surgeon in question has at the local hospital. Regardless of whether he works at an ambulatory surgery center or his own office he should have privileges to perform the same type of procedures in an acute care hospital. Call the hospital to find out if this is indeed the case. When you put in the call to the hospital switchboard ask to be connected with someone in the professional staff office. The person who comes on the line should be able to let you know whether the physician is on staff at the hospital and whether or not he is granted privileges to perform the kind of operation that you are seeking.
A surgeon who is experienced and has a good reputation is one who should discuss everything possible about the procedure before the date for it has been scheduled. This includes your medical history, lifestyle, any medications you are on and your expectations. You should also be made aware of the risks associated with the cosmetic operation and what the recuperation and healing period will entail.
Follow-up post operative care is also significant. A plastic surgeon who is reputable is one who takes post-op very seriously and makes sure that he and his staff are available to you in the event of a problem arising following the surgery. You should feel comfortable communicating with him about any concern you have involving your surgical procedure.