Credentials to look for when searching for a plastic surgeon

Picking the best surgeon to perform a cosmetic procedure is fundamental though it might be quite challenging. Prospective patients need to be careful in order to achieve their desired result, while at the same time avoiding any possible aftermath regrets. Almost every country around the globe has a public body that certifies and controls the work of cosmetic surgeons. Furthermore, these bodies offers the various guidelines for patients to enable them pick the right surgeons to attend to them. The bodies also provide the range of credentials to look for when searching for a cosmetic plastic surgeon:

Certification from a registered body

A surgeon’s board certification is the best evidence to confirm his or her qualification in the medical or surgical field. Always check for the certification thoroughly to verify that a board that is fully registered or recognized by the government did it. This is because there are some generic boards in various countries around the globe. These unrecognized certifying institutions normally give out certifications to surgeons who are not qualified to be in the field. Improper certifications usually lead to negative results as opposed to what the patient wanted in the first place. In this regard therefore, patients should not fear to ask for the provision of these certifications before settling for a particular surgeon.

The facility that the surgeon uses must have an official accreditation from a relevant body

A patient should really pay attention to this important credential. Generally, a cosmetic procedure can be performed safely in a hospital or an office-based surgical facility. According to a study, accredited facilities have always registered safe operations compared to those facilities that are not accredited. The main reason for this is that those facilities that have been accredited are subject to scrutiny and thus the surgeons perform their functions with due care. However, studies show that the majority of the office-based surgical facilities that are in existence are actually not accredited.


In most cases, experienced cosmetic plastic surgeons generally perform a wider range of surgeries regularly. Additionally, these surgeons are well conversant with the field and thus will always deliver quality services. However, patients should be particular when asking about a surgeon’s experience. This is because there are various considerations that need to be addressed in the process. If a patient considers a new technique for instance, he or she must inquire whether effective results have been registered before. This greatly enhances the patient’s confidence on the surgeon’s competence.

Service costs

The relevant state authorities normally determine service costs that are charged by cosmetic surgeons. Nevertheless, surgeons normally charge extra costs to meet various extra expenses. These costs may vary considerably depending largely on the surgeon’s experience, geographical factors and individual patient factors. Furthermore, not all patients are treated with the same technique. Some of the surgeries can be complex or takes longer time to be finished and thus will greatly affect the service costs. In almost all the countries in the world, cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by any insurance. This means that understanding surgical fee charged by various surgeons is very important in the sense that the patient will be able to choose what he or she affords.

Surgeon’s rapport

The most experienced surgeon is not usually the best surgeon for every patient. In this regard, any successful surgeon-patient relationship greatly depends on good communication between the two. A particular patient’s satisfaction is fully enhanced when the surgeon and the patient fully agree on the various matters that pertain to the surgical process. These matters may include the goals, expectations and the relevant techniques that will be used during the exercise. A surgeon without a good rapport will always reduce the patient’s confidence in the all process.


A good and qualified surgeon will always be thorough in his or her undertakings. A patient will assess this through consultations where an opportunity to ask questions is offered. This consultation must include a detailed discussion of the risks and the benefits of the surgery. This consultation may also involve an explanation on the medical history as well as any existing medical conditions. These factors will help the surgeon to come up with the best method to use in order to meet the needs of the patient.