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Choosing a Surgeon

No matter what type of plastic surgery you’re considering, the most important thing is choosing the right surgeon.

Make a List

First, gather a list of names. You can develop your list from any of the following sources:

• Friends and family. If you know someone who’s had the same procedure you’re considering, talk to him or her about it.
• Doctors. Your primary physician may be able to recommend a good plastic surgeon.
• Nurses. If you know an operating room nurse, you can probably get a well-informed opinion on surgeons with whom he or she has worked.
• Hospitals. Call a respected hospital in your community and ask for a list of its board-certified plastic surgeons.

Check Credentials

Once you have compiled your list, you need to check their credentials. While good credentials can’t guarantee a successful outcome, they can significantly increase the odds.

• Training. Ask the candidates on your list about their training. Did he or she complete an accredited residency program specifically in plastic surgery? Most programs include two or three years of intensive training in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
• Board Certification. Considered choosing a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. An ABPS-certified doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school, completed at least five years of additional residency (three, general surgery and two, plastic surgery) and practiced plastic surgery for two years.
• Hospital Privileges. The surgeon you choose should have privileges to perform that procedure at an accredited hospital in your community. Call the hospital to make sure.
• Experience. You should feel comfortable that the surgeon you select is well versed and up-to-date in the procedure you’re considering. Ask the doctors on your list if they perform the procedure frequently and when they last did one.

The Interview

After narrowing your list down to two or three surgeons, you may want to visit them for an initial consultation to compare their opinions, fees and the way they answer your questions and explain the risks involved. The doctor should:

• answer all of your questions thoroughly, in terms you can understand;
• ask about your motivation and expectations for surgery;
• offer alternatives, where appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unnecessary procedures;
• welcome questions about professional qualifications, experience, costs and payment policies; and
• make clear not only the risks of surgery but also the possible variations in outcome.

The Institute

The surgeons of UC Irvine's Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery Institute are leaders in research and patient care. Visit our Surgeons section for biographical information about each of our surgeons.