9 factors to consider when choosing a cosmetic surgeon

Review this checklist to ensure you're equipped with answers to the questions you need to have answered in order to choose the appropriate and most qualified provider.

1. Qualifications: Your doctor holds the appropriate American Board of Medical Specialties certification and is a member in good standing of key professional societies. Medical facilities are fully accredited and anesthesia is only administered by a qualified medical professional. 
2. Privileges: Your doctor has hospital privileges to perform the procedure you are having at a local accredited hospital. Even though your procedure may be performed at a fully accredited freestanding or office-based surgical center, it is best to confirm that your doctor meets the standards to perform the same procedure at a local hospital. 
3.  Professionalism: Your doctor is forthright in listening to and addressing your goals. You are offered solutions that you understand. 
4. Records: You have checked with your state medical board that the doctor is licensed to practice in the state and there are no prior or pending actions against him or her. Lawsuits abound, but only real negligence can jeopardize the status of a doctor's medical license.
5. Proof: Your doctor has performed the procedure you are considering many times in the recent past and has shared photographs of actual results achieved on recent patients.
6. Information: You are given all the information you need to make an informed choice, including informed-consent documents to sign. Even if the treatment is one you have had in the past, each procedure requires your consent. 
7.  Health: Your doctor requires a health screening or evaluation prior to treatment or surgery. Any physical or emotional health conditions you have should be addressed, specifically how these may influence your cosmetic enhancement choices.
8. Cost: You are not looking for or offered a special deal. You accept the defined surgery cost and the variable costs including operating room time, anesthesia and unexpected events.
9. Area of expertise: Your doctor only practices in the area of expertise directly related to his or her ABMS certification.

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