Choosing to have facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is a highly personal decision. Your surgeon should possess the necessary credentials to perform the anticipated procedure. Highly trained members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) are board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to perform plastic surgery of the face, head and neck, and perform most of the nasal plastic surgery in the nation.

It can be a confusing process for a patient looking for the right surgeon to perform a needed operation. This is especially true in the realm of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, since there are so many different types of physicians from which to choose. As a potential patient, one must keep in mind the area on the body and the nature of the surgery being considered and then seek the surgeon whose training background is best suited for the individual situation.

If you decide to have breast augmentation, the most important decision you will make is to choose a plastic surgeon with the proper training and experience in breast augmentation procedures, and with whom you are personally confident and comfortable. The resources in our section on choosing a plastic surgeon can help you locate a surgeon in your area and learn how to verify the credentials of doctors, anesthesiologists and operating suites.

When you choose a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, you are choosing double-board certified surgeon who is highly specialized and focuses his practice on the complex field of Facial Plastic Surgery. You are choosing a specialist in Facial Plastic Surgery.

In general, thyroid surgery is best performed by a surgeon who has received special training and who performs thyroid surgery on a regular basis, since the complication rate of thyroid operations is lower when the operation is done by a surgeon who does a considerable number of thyroid operations each year.

One of the most important factors for selecting a plastic surgeon is experience. Ask the surgeon about his or her training and how many procedures like your own they have performed. The doctor should also be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, like Dr. Horn, and be willing to answer your questions openly and honestly.

The title “Facial Plastic Surgeon” generally describes a surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The title “Plastic Surgeon” generally describes a surgeon who performs the gamut of plastic surgery procedures, from head to toe. A patient seeking breast augmentation would seek out a “Plastic Surgeon” rather than a “Facial Plastic Surgeon.

Facial plastic surgeons perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head, and neck regions only. Training includes one or two years of post-graduate training in general surgery residency, at least four additional years of specialty training in head and neck surgery, and subspecialty fellowship training in facial plastic surgery. A general plastic surgeon performs both face and body procedures.

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It is important to choose a surgeon who is qualified to perform your procedure and who has a comprehensive program for post-operative follow-up. Here are some suggested criteria to look for: Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery experience, Board certification (The American Board of Surgery), fellowships (The American College of Surgeons), and memberships (The American Society for Bariatric Surgery).

The process in choosing a plastic surgeon can be quite extensive. The combination of the following information will guide you through the process. The surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and should be in good standing in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In addition the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a prestigious group in which only certified plastic surgeons are members.

Doctors must undergo extensive training in order to become a plastic surgeon. A specialized post-graduate training course lasting five to seven years must be completed in order to become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). A surgeon’s background training often includes an extensive foundation of general surgery, though a background in orthopedics or ENT is sometimes acceptable.

Your consultation with a plastic surgeon is your opportunity to ask questions about the doctor's qualifications, breast implants in general, the surgery and recovery period, your possibilities as an individual and anything else that you feel you need to know. The doctor should fully address all of your questions, perform an evaluation and offer expert advice on how to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Plastic surgery is one of the nine main specialties recognised by The Royal College of Surgeons (eg orthopaedic surgery, urology). See a description of each specialty. Consultant plastic surgeons are listed as being fully trained in this specialty on the General Medical Council's (GMC) Specialist Register. You can check this on the GMC website (www.gmc-uk.org; Tel: 020 7580 7642) or at public libraries.

Most importantly you must feel comfortable with your surgeon. You should verify your physician is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means your surgeon has undergone a thorough peer review and testing on all plastic and reconstructive surgery standards. You should also carefully consider where you surgeon wishes to perform your procedure.