When you go for your plastic surgery consultation, here are the first five of  42 questions you might consider asking:

1. How long have you been practicing plastic surgery?

Not always a good indicator of competence, bu, in general,t it the more experience, usually the better results.

2. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

This the official Board for plastic surgeons. The  American Board Cosmetic Surgery is not. To be Board certified requires approved training and then an extremely rigorous written and then even more rigorous oral exam. It is a very difficult exam i can assure you. The pass rate is extremely low compared to other medical sub specialties. It does not guarantee that your surgeon will give you great results, only that he/she is competent and ethical.

3.When will you re certify?

Surgeons certified after the mid 1990’s, will need to recertify every ten years. Older surgeons are exempt from the exam.

4. Gave you ever been disciplined by the board, the state or any hospital?

With more surgeons practicing in all fields, professional misconduct is on the rise. Hopefully you will get an honest response.

5. What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?

Every surgeon has one. The answer might give you some insight into his/her personality and competence.