How to choose a doctor
Thanks to the media and TV reality shows, cosmetic procedures have become very common and are no
longer reserved only for celebrities. The popularity of cosmetic procedures is soaring and there are many
doctors that are trying to break into the cosmetic field to meet the demand. Any licensed physician, even
a radiologist, can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon or cosmetic doctor, so it is extremely important
to find a properly trained and certified provider. We have provided you with a guide on what to look for when
selecting a cosmetic physician.
Select your procedure first
Before you select your doctor, you want to learn as much as you can about the procedure and the which are the best doctors to perform it on you. Just as you would research buying a car, you should thoroughly research which cosmetic procedure is right for you. Use our Start My Makeover guide to begin your search if you are not sure what type of procedure you is right for you. When you have decided which procedures may be right for you, then you can begin deciding what doctor is going to be the best for your particular procedure.
board certifications/specialties
Board Certification
When searching for a cosmetic physician, it is important to determine their board certification. A physician's board certification is the culmination of his or her training. Doctor's undergo 4 years of medical school and then select a residency traning program. Residency and fellowship training can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years and beyond. Upon completing the training, the physician is then eligible to become board certified in their chosen field. Always check for a doctor's board certification and for more information you can visit the American Board of Medical Specialties at http://www.abms.org.
Seeking a specialist
Since any physician can call themselves a "cosmetic doctor or surgeon", it is important to understand how specialists who have undergone extensive training are different from other doctors. Below is a list of specialists and an explanation of their training and appropriate Boards and Memberships.
In order to become a plastic surgeon and to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a physician must complete a specialized residency program in surgery and then pass written and oral examinations by the board of Plastic Surgery. Upon completing the necessary training, qualified plastic surgeons may then apply for membership in organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Appropriate Boards and Memberships: The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) www.abplsurg.org The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) http://www.plasticsurgery.org The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) www.surgery.org Procedures commonly performed by Plastic Surgeons: facelift, necklift, nose surgery, ear surgery, tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, facial implants, injectable fillers and botox, energy/light based treatments
The field of dermatology is one of the most selective fields of medicine and they comprise only 1% of all doctors. Dermatologist specialize in both the medical and cosmetic problems of the skin. Any doctor can claim to be a "specialist of the skin", but in order to become a real dermatologist, a physician must complete a specialized residency program after medical school in dermatology. They then must pass an examination by the American Board of Dermatology to become a board-certified dermatologist. Qualified dermatologists may then apply for membership in the American Academy of Dermatology (ADA). Dermatologists who also specialize skin surgery may also apply to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). Dermatologist who specialize in cosmetic laser procedures may also join the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Appropriate Boards and Memberships: The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) www.abderm.org The American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) www.aad.org The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) www.asds.net American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) www.aslms.org Procedures commonly performed by Dermatologists: skin resurfacing, botox and injectable fillers, laser/energy based treatments, prescription or cosmeceutical based skin care, liposuction, removal of moles, birthmarks and other skin lesions, hair loss treatments, nail conditions
Facial plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive surgery of the face and neck and they have completed a residency training program in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat). Upon completing the residency program the otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) must pass an examination by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto). Otolaryngologists certified by the ABOto may also apply to become board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). A qualified facial plastic surgeon will probably be a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Appropriate Boards and Memberships: The American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) www.aboto.org The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) www.abfprs.org The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS) www.facial-plastic-surgery.org Procedures commonly performed by Facial Plastic Surgeons: facelift, eyelid surgery, browlift, necklift, nose surgery, ear surgery, facial implants, botox and injectable fillers, light/energy based treatments.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive surgery is a specialized area of ophthalmology that deals with the correction and restoration of ares around the eye (eyelids, the orbit (bony area surrounding the eye), and the adjacent facial structures. Oculoplastic surgeons are board-certified Ophthalmologists who have also done additional training in plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes. Once they have completed their training passed appropriate examinations they can join the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Appropriate Boards and Memberships: The American Board of Ophthomology (ABO) www.abop.org The American Academy of Ophthomology (AAO) www.aao.org Procedures commonly performed by Oculoplastic Surgeons: eyelid surgery, eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty and brow lift), treating wrinkles around eyes, recontructive surgery for eye/eyelid disorders, Botox and injectable filers.
Cosmetic dentist are dentists who have chosen to specialize in cosmetic dentistry, which in includes teeth whitening, composite and porcelain veneers, tooth contouring and reshaping, and cosmetic gum surgery. It is important to look for a dentist that has the most up-to-date equipment and technology. Appropriate Boards and Memberships: American Dental Association (ADA) www.ada.org The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) www.aacd.com The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED) www.estheticacademy.org Procedures commonly performed by Cosmetic Dentists: teeth whitening, veneers, tooth contouring, cosmetic gum surgery
Questions to ask your Cosmetic Physician
What is your actual Board Certification?
This is an important question because it will let you know what advanced training they have accomplished in their career. Just saying they are "board-certified" will not give you enough information to understand their training.
How many years have you been practicing cosmetic medicine?
Some doctors who may have been practicing for years, may have recently switched into doing cosmetic medicine. So it is important to specifically ask how long they have been performing cosmetic procedures.
Ask to see before and after photos of the procedure that the doctor has done themselves.
Many doctors have "generic" photos of before and after procedures supplied to them by the company behind the procedure. You should ask to see photos done by the doctors themselves.
Ask who is going to be doing the procedure.
At many facilities the doctor just supervises a nurse or physician assistant and does not perform the procedure. It is okay for an experienced nurse or PA to perform the treatment on you, but then you must understand the background of that person and the training they have under gone. You should ask if the doctor will be present at the office while the procedure is being done. There may be different prices for the doctor to perform the procedure versus a nurse or physician assistant.
