Look at each surgeon's before and after photos, first and foremost. Who has the largest gallery of work with the best pictures? Check Yelp and other review sites to see what actual patients are saying about their experience. Which doctor and staff did you connect with most? These are some of the things that may help you get closer to making a choice. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Good for you that you are taking your time to decide by "doing your homework". Seeking out consultation with several board-certified plastic surgeons is a great start. While price can be part of the decision, it clearly should not be foremost when making an important health decision. You should narrow down your search by making a list of likes and dislikes with each office and if all are equivalent, go with your gut instinct....which office and physician made you feel the most comfortable? Consider a second visit with your favorite 1 or 2 to confirm your decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Board certification is a minimum qualification, and I would not recommend shopping by price. You get what you pay for. Go with the person you connected with and liked. You will be trusting this person to operate on you and care for you through the good and the bad. There is no “correct” choice. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In the end, you have to choose who you like the most and who you believe will provide the result you are looking for. If they all seem reasonable and are certified, and you think they are all excellent, then you can flip a coin. Otherwise, trust your brain, your gut and your heart to tell you who the correct surgeon is for you! Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Neither of those are most important criteria. Ask how many they have done, how many they do monthly (if that's the focus of the practice), and get a referral from previous patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You just need to understand that they are all very qualified, with a difference of approach. However, you must have confidence and be comfortable with you surgeon, because he will be seeing you for your postoperative course.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You should have the surgeon that you trust and whose abilities you are most comfortable with perform the surgery. Plastic surgery is about trust and confidence.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You should pick the doctor you are most comfortable with and with the doctor who has the staff that you like.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If they are all certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you should pick someone you are comfortable with. Also, don't forget about experience. Someone who just finished his training will not have that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. This is often a personal decision that comes down to several factors. You listed objective issues, including board certification (in plastic surgery) and pricing. Another issue to consider is additional fellowship training (for additional subspecialty training after basic plastic surgery training), which some providers have in cosmetic or other sub areas. This demonstrates a substantial extra level of training and knowledge and experience.

Certainly, a patient and plastic surgeon should have good communication and contact. A patient coordinator is extremely helpful, but should not replace or substitute for being the doctor. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Finding your cosmetic surgeon can be overwhelming. It is important to really do your research and review not only the patient reviews, but the before/after photos. Chances are if you like the photos, you’ll be very happy with your result. It is always key to find a doctor who is board certified and has many years of experience, awards, and high ratings. Typically, the most experienced surgeons tend to charge a little more for the work they provide.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is difficult to choose a surgeon. However, there are many great ones. First step is to make sure they are all board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and members of respected national societies. Next, I would recommend asking your family doctor, neighbors, friends and see which name comes up more often with positive comments - basically their reputation in your community. Once you have narrowed down the list, then have consultations and see which surgeon fits your personality and needs the best. Also, where they perform the surgery, and if it is appropriately accredited, safe and respected in the community. Lastly, look at pricing once you have two surgeons that match all of the other qualities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

They will all probably give you a good result. But as it is will all procedures the more someone performs the less common are the complications and the more predictable are the results. Just make sure they do several hundred a year not just a few.I hope this helps. Have a great day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If they are all board-certified plastic surgeons I would pick the one that is part of the American Society for aesthetic plastic surgery as they have the majority of their surgery in aesthetic surgery. Also look for the one that has the most experience and has been doing those type of procedures for the longest

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a very commonly confusing scenario. There are many quality surgeons and many boards to which physicians belong. They can be certified in family practice, radiology, otolaryngology, dermatology, or simply "cosmetic surgery". But, In general, it's no secret that one should look for surgeons who are board certified but the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also, the main membership that qualifies, assures, and continues their annual aesthetic education is the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). We are not hard to find and it behooves you to consult with one of these truly qualified surgeons.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would look at their before and afters, and speak to a few of their patients to see how their experiences were. With the technique I use, most of my patients have virtually no pain (see painlessbreastimplants.com), while they often tell me that their friends who went to other surgeons were in severe pain for weeks and cant believe how easy their recovery is. You wont get that information from just looking at photos. I also don't recommend shopping strictly by price. That's often a recipe for disaster.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In this case we would suggest go with the one who makes you feel the most comfortable and at ease at their office. Find out what the follow-up care is like with all of the particular practitioners. If they are not similar let that help you to determine your choice. Surgery does not end when you leave the OR. Good luck on making the best decision for you!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hello, and thank you for this question. I would recommend that disc lost all of your concerns with the potential surgeon to find out who appears to be the most qualified in and perfect your needs. Also look around the office in regards to the staff. You may also try to contact a local medical County or any of your family physicians to see if they have any recommendations. Also remember there are many qualified plastic surgeons and I am sure you will obtain a good result with a qualified practitioner in your area.
Best of luck

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It's important to feel comfortable with your surgeon since this is an elective procedure. Make sure that he answers all your questions and express your concerns. Ask if you can see before and after pictures and also if he has imaging technology in his office where you can see simulations of your before and after (understanding that is no guarantee that your after will turn out exactly as it looks on the simulation). Also asked the doctor if you can speak with patients who had the procedure. Lastly, look at reviews of the physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Check their credentials and where they have trained and look carefully over their patient reviews. Members of the American Society of aesthetic plastic surgery (ASAPS) perform more aesthetic surgery than other societies. And most importantly choose the doctor you have a good relationship with.

Published on Jul 11, 2012