How to find a good cosmetic surgeon

Okay, you’ve decided to spring for those 34DD breasts you’ve always wanted, or maybe you’ve lost a lot of weight and are in need of a tummy tuck to remove loose skin. With so many plastic surgeons out there, how do you find a good one?

Let’s say, for example, that you want to find a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles. Google brings back over a million results! What now?

1. First, learn the proper terms. Not all doctors are created equal. Any doctor who performs cosmetic treatments can call themselves a cosmetic physician, and any surgeon can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon. But plastic surgeons do plastic surgery residencies and are board certified. Make sure you know the difference between these terms before you start your search.
2. Check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There is only one board certification for plastic surgery in the United States, and that comes from the ABPS. You can check the credentials of prospective doctors, or get a list of board-certified doctors in your area, to help you narrow the search. In England you can check with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
3. Ask your family doctor for advice. “Ask a friend” is a common recommendation, but how many of us have friends who have had cosmetic surgery? Conversely, nearly everyone has a family doctor, OB/GYN, podiatrist or even a pediatrician on call, and these doctors can help you find a competent surgeon in your area.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, check out our article, “5 Questions You Need to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon” for advice on consultations and choosing the right surgeon.