INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

More than 9.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed on patients looking to rejuvenate or enhance their natural appearance through plastic surgery in 2004. The choice of the right surgeon is the single most important decision you will make. Be sure you have all the facts to make an informed choice.

In the state of California, any physician who holds a medical license can call himself any kind of specialist he/she wishes to, whether trained in that specialty or not. There is no law to prohibit this. This is why your choice of a plastic surgeon is so important. Here are guidelines to assist you in selecting a qualified surgeon:

1. Be certain the physician is a real plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

2. Check into the qualifications of the surgeon you are considering. Ask about his or her credentials and study them carefully. A qualified plastic surgeon will welcome your questions about his/her background and be pleased that you are concerned enough to ask.

3. If you are in doubt about a surgeons qualifications, it may be wise to seek consultation with more than one surgeon.

4. If there is confusion about a physician's board certification, consult the current ABMS Compendium of Medical Specialist of the Directory of Medical Specialists available in most libraries. These directories list the training and background of all surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

As a public service for those contemplating plastic surgery, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons maintains a consumer information service. For a board certified plastic surgeon near you, call 1-800-722-2777. The service is available from Monday-Friday, 9AM to 5:30PM.