So you’ve decided to have liposuction, but do you know what to expect afterwards? Since liposuction is an invasive procedure, it is important to have an idea of what to expect when it’s done. Being prepared and well-informed is a good way to reduce any chances for complications, side-effects and other risks.

For the first few days after surgery you might feel like you’ve had a very intense workout. Your muscles will be sore, and you will feel tired. There might be some swelling and bruising. If large amounts of fat have been removed, your surgeon may have placed drains with your sutures to help reduce fluid build up.

You may need to wear a special compression garment for up to two months. You will be able to return to light physical activities and sedentary work within a few days. You should be physically active by the fourth week and able to engage in strenuous workouts by the sixth week.

You will begin to see a change in your shape as early as two weeks after your procedure. You may not see the final result until six months after your liposuction surgery.

Since fat cells do not reproduce in the human body, the fat cells removed during liposuction surgery are permanent. To keep looking great as long as possible, it is important to keep taking good care of yourself by dieting and exercising. This will stop you from gaining weight in other areas of your body.

At 1800mySurgeon, we are here to help you make an informed decision. One of the most important aspects for a successful outcome of your procedure is to choose the right surgeon, therefore all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. We can help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in liposuction or we can provide a background check on any surgeon.

Do you feel trapped in long sleeved clothes because you’re self-conscious about wearing short sleeves or tank tops? It may be time to consider arm lift surgery. Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, can reshape your arms so you can regain your confidence and the freedom to wear what you like.

An arm lift can create a re-contoured arm and result in a slimmer, more toned look that can help you feel more comfortable and attractive. Men and women consider arm lift surgery as their skin sags with age or after extreme weight loss. If you’re ready to transform your flabby upper arms, ask a board-certified plastic surgeon how arm lift surgery can be your solution.

Arm lift surgery is performed by making an incision on the inside of the upper arm. When the incision is made, the plastic surgeon performs liposuction to remove excess fat. The remaining excess skin is trimmed, tightened and stitched.

Arm lift results are typically permanent depending on the type of procedure. With liposuction alone, weight gain and aging can cause continued sagging over a long term (10 to 15 years). With surgical removal of skin, fat and tissue, the results tend to be more dramatic and last longer, though scarring is more visible.

When you meet with your plastic surgeon, be honest about your thoughts and expectations.  Your surgeon should evaluate your health and discuss the details of the procedure with you. Ask your surgeon about the risks and limitations, the anesthesia and where the surgery will be performed. Cost is another important factor to discuss, as well as after-surgery care.

Most patients are satisfied with the results of arm lift surgery and feel great about their freedom of wearing a wide variety of clothes. Are you considering arm lift surgery? 1800mySurgeon can help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that can successfully perform arm lift surgery. We can also help you set up a consultation so you can discuss your goals and desired results with a plastic surgeon.

As you get older, you may notice more changes in the appearance of your skin. Frown lines, smile lines and laugh lines may start showing. The crow’s feet around your eyes may look more pronounced.  Aging, genetics, sun exposure, pollution and frowning cause our skin’s natural elasticity to weaken and pave the way for our fight against wrinkles.

Luckily, facial rejuvenation procedures can give us a way to look young again. Facial rejuvenation procedures take the signs of aging and reverse them, while giving shape and tone to the face. They can also get rid of scars and reduce skin spots. Facial rejuvenation consists of invasive and non-invasive procedures that can drastically improve the appearance of the face.

To improve skin texture, the appearance of frown lines, non-invasive procedures such as microdermabrasion, vibraderm, laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels can be good options for you. If you’re looking for more volume in hollowed facial areas and procedures that help fill in wrinkles and folds of the lower facial areas, injectable fillers such as BOTOX, Restylane, Radiesse or facial fat grafting can be beneficial.

Another option for getting rid of crow’s feet is a chemical peel. During a chemical peel, an acidic chemical is released onto the face, burning away the top layer of skin and triggering the growth of newer, fresher skin.

Plastic surgery procedures also provide facial rejuvenation. A face lift, for example, can dramatically improve the appearance of your face for up to 15 years. Brow lifts and forehead lifts can reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the brow and forehead areas, just as eyelid surgery can remove the excess skin and fat tissue from the upper or lower eyelids to give you a wider, fresher, well rested appearance. Cheek, chin or jaw implants are also an option in case of reduced bone structure.

With the multitude of facial rejuvenation procedures available, it is important for you to choose and speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon that can explain all your options and help you meet your goals. Your plastic surgeon can create a customized treatment plan so you can return to your natural facial contour, and enjoy the results of younger looking skin.

Most people want to look beautiful and are willing to do anything to keep looking young. The beauty industry tries to market creams and other products that promise to keep consumers young but don’t really work.

Increasing pollution and the harmful rays of the sun put a damper on great looking skin. Combined with the natural aging process, these environmental hazards make us look older than we really are, giving us wrinkles and lines on the face. Lucky for us, medical technology has made it easier than ever to look youthful and maintain longer lasting beauty!

The truth is, cosmetic surgery is a great option if you want long lasting results. For example, getting a facelift, which removes excess skin and fat and tightens the muscles in the face and neck, can make a difference in your look. Since the effects of facelift surgery can last many years, it could be money well spent.

In our health conscious society, most people feel much younger and more vibrant than they look, and thousands have had a facelift to help them look as good as they feel. This makes facelift surgery one of the top five most popular plastic surgery procedure in the United States.

When searching a plastic surgeon to perform your facial cosmetic surgery procedure, it is very important to research their credentials and records. Where did they have training? Are they board-certified? Speak to them candidly about the risks involved and the recovery time. Viewing before and after photos can also help you get a sense of their technique and skills.

When you use 1800mySurgeon, you are assured of making an informed decision because all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. The qualified patient coordinators at 1800mySurgeon are prepared to help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in face lift surgery, or we can provide a background check on any surgeon you choose.

Zap stretch marks, tighten loose belly skin and lift sagging breasts! This holiday season, get back to the way you looked before pregnancy by giving yourself the gift of lift!

Today, moms in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s know that having children doesn’t mean you have to compromise the way you look. With a combination of breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, buttock lift, liposuction and more, a mommy makeover serves as a quick fix for stubborn post-pregnancy weight that’s otherwise difficult to get rid of.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 325,000 mommy makeover procedures were performed last year. This started when women began visiting plastic surgeons for consultations, addressing concerns about stretched skin and post-pregnancy fat.

“In this day and age, women are giving birth later, returning to their careers sooner, and have busier schedules than ever before. Many are finding cosmetic plastic surgery to be the answer to returning to a pre-pregnancy shape they are comfortable with,” said ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD. (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

Determining whether or not you make a good candidate for a mommy makeover requires careful evaluation. Think about your goals and expectations before comparing them to the realities of surgery. With any surgery comes risks and a recovery period. Speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about what you hope to gain and get special instructions for your well-being.

1800mySurgeon.com has an extensive database of plastic surgeons that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you would like to learn more about the mommy makeover, or would like to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation, contact us today. Looking great can only be a consultation away.

Motherhood is, without a doubt, a beautiful thing. But what it can do to your body isn’t. When you have children, your body can take a significant toll with stretched skin, a flabby stomach, wider hips and thicker thighs.

The good news is, plastic surgery can help with “mommy makeovers.” A mommy makeover refers to having multiple surgical procedures at the same time, such as breast lift, liposuction and tummy tuck. It also gives you a chance to put your well-being first and get back to your pre-pregnancy youthfulness, confidence and self-esteem.

Have you ever asked yourself if you need a mommy makeover? Well, the answers to the following questions can help guide you to making the right decision:

• Are you frustrated by the irreversible effects of childbirth?
• Do you have stretch marks?
• Have your breasts lost volume after pregnancy?
• Do you have enlarged areolas?
• Have you developed sagging in your thighs and arms?
• Do you have loose, excess skin on your belly?
• Are you noticing facial aging?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, the next step should be to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine the best options for you by evaluating your goals and expectations.

1800mySurgeon can help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon from our exclusive network of surgeons who have been pre-screened and rated based on the confidential options of patients. We can help you schedule your consultation and even help you get financing for your mommy makeover procedure.

The economy is affecting almost everyone negatively. Plastic surgery comes at a hefty price and although many people are still financially able to pay for their procedure(s), it could be costly for others who also want to change or improve their appearance.

Have you always dreamt of changing your appearance, but haven’t been able to afford it? 1800mySurgeon believes that everyone should have access to affording their procedure. To help patients enhance their appearance and confidence, we have developed financing programs with our partner myMedicalLoan.com. With various financing programs, you no longer have to feel left behind just because you don’t have the necessary funds at hand.

With financing plans available, you can get approved for surgery financing, even if you don’t qualify for traditional financing, don’t have a co-signer, and don’t have a good credit score. There are convenient guaranteed financing plans with monthly payments that are reasonable and affordable.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, procedure cost is likely to be one of the most important variables you will reflect on. The total costs of surgery can be overwhelming and financial stress can get in the way of your final decision. That’s why it’s good to keep the medical financing option open.

Medical financing companies such as myMedicalLoan.com offer a variety of options that help patients afford these elective procedures. myMedicalLoan.com is a patient resource that offers low monthly payments and flexible payment options. With their new “No Patient Left Behind” ™ programs, you can be well on your way to getting your procedure(s), without having to worry about affording them.

It’s always recommended that you conduct research and take a moment to think about your financial situation. Remember that getting a cosmetic surgery loan is very similar to getting a car loan – there will be monthly payments and term agreements. Candidly speak to your board-certified plastic surgeon during your initial consultation and discuss the costs of your procedure(s), to make sure there are no surprises along the way.

Since you can remember, you have put so much effort into trying to lose the stubborn fatty bulges around your stomach. No matter what you do, the loose skin from your pregnancies or weight loss won’t go away, causing you to feel self-conscious and sometimes, unattractive.

You don’t have to give up – there is a way to get a smoother and shapelier torso. If you’re ready to see results, tummy tuck surgery may be your answer. Tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is designed to contour, flatten and firm the abdominal region.

By having a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are surgically removed from the abdominal region. The underlying muscles are also tightened, which creates a slimmer contour. Tummy tuck also helps define the waist. Although this procedure can be beneficial, it is considered to be a major surgery. This means that not everyone makes a good candidate and before making your decision to have the procedure, it is a good idea to do your tummy tuck homework.

1. The main purpose of tummy tuck surgery is to change the shape of the body and that it does not result in weight loss. In other words, tummy tuck procedures are performed to enhance body shape, not create a perfect body. Patients need to set realistic expectations for themselves and be careful not to think that having tummy tuck will be an answer to dieting and exercising.
2. Tummy tuck surgery requires a long incision, which means you may be left with a scar after recovery. The scar is typically covered by underwear or swimming suits and become faint overtime.
3. If your fatty deposits or excess skin is concentrated below your belly button, a mini tummy tuck might be a good option for you. Mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision and the consequent scar is much smaller than that of a full tummy tuck.
4. If you are a smoker, it is recommended to quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Smoking prolongs recovery and increases the risks of complications.
5. When tummy tuck is combined with liposuction, it might bring out desired results. Your plastic surgeon will advise you if combining liposuction with tummy tuck is right for your needs.
6. It is a good idea to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about tummy tuck or about alternatives, to make sure you go through the procedure that’s right for you. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have the necessary knowledge and training background in dealing with tummy tuck and other cosmetic surgery procedures.
7. Tummy tuck results can last a long time if you stay active and eat right. Excessive weight gain after the procedure can cause your skin tissues to stretch and create bulges.

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon about the advantages and disadvantages of having a tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon can advise you on your options, inform you about the risks, recovery time and provide you with details about the procedure. You should also keep in mind that with tummy tuck or any major surgical procedure, recovery times may be lengthy and it may limit daily routines and activities.

While getting ready for a night out, you find a strapless blouse and a long-sleeve blouse in your closet. If you find yourself instinctively reaching out for long-sleeve blouses that hide your arms, you’re not alone.

Most women, self-conscious of their droopy, sagging upper arms, would choose to go with the long-sleeve top to cover what they don’t like. If you’re facing the same problem, arm lift surgery can help you achieve shapely, contoured arms.

As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, arm lift can help create well-defined and toned upper arms. When the soft tissue in the arm becomes lax and begins to sag, it can give it a bat-wing or flabby appearance. Sagging upper arms can be a result of excessive weight loss or aging that even exercise cannot help get rid of.

Arm lift surgery is performed by making an incision on the inside of the upper arm. When the incision is made, the plastic surgeon performs liposuction to remove excess fat. The remaining excess skin is trimmed, tightened and stitched.

Arm lift results are typically permanent depending on the type of procedure. With liposuction alone, weight gain and aging can cause continued sagging over the very long term (10 to 15 years). With surgical removal of skin, fat and tissue, the results tend to be more dramatic and last longer, though scarring is more visible.

Keep in mind that not all arm lifts or the surgeons that perform them are the same. You want to make sure that you choose a surgeon whose work you admire. You will be able to see the outcome of some of their surgeries by looking at before-and-after pictures. There are different techniques and procedures for arm lift surgery. Some surgeons rely on liposuction techniques, while others surgically remove skin and tissue, and some surgeons use a combination of both liposuction and surgery. Have the surgeon explain their procedure and why they value a certain technique more than others.

1800mySurgeon can help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that can successfully perform arm lift surgery. We can also help you set up a consultation so you can discuss your goals and desired results with a plastic surgeon.

The latest plastic surgery trend has not been facelift, liposuction or breast lift. Now more than ever, buttock augmentation has been on the rise as more men and women feel that their buttocks are too flat, wide or saggy.

Buttock augmentation is the procedure of choice for those who weren’t born with perky buttocks and have tried so hard to achieve a sexy derriere by exercising. No longer is there a need for men and women to feel frustrated and self-conscious – buttock augmentation results in more junk in the trunk.

There are different techniques for buttock augmentation or buttock enhancement, depending on what the patient is looking for and their overall body frame. For those who have developed wide buttocks, liposuction is performed used to shape the buttocks, giving them a rounder and more proportional look.

For flat buttocks, plastic surgeons use fat injection or fat grafting to give fullness and more projection to the buttocks. Since this helps lift sagging buttocks as well, it is often referred to the Brazilian Buttock Lift. If sagging is a result of excess weight loss however, a body lift procedure would be more beneficial for lifting not only the buttocks, but the excess skin on the thighs, abdomen and surrounding areas.

At 1800mySurgeon, we are here to help you make an informed decision when it comes to buttock augmentation or any other cosmetic surgery procedure. One of the most important aspects for a successful outcome of your procedure is to choose the right surgeon; therefore all of our board-certified plastic surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. We can help you find board-certified plastic surgeons in your area who specialize in buttock augmentation, or we can provide a background check on any surgeon.

Once upon a time, facelifts were complicated and expensive. Now, most people feel that looking good shouldn’t be time consuming, expensive or invasive. That’s why the Contour ThreadLift™ is becoming an attractive alternative to traditional facelift surgery.

Current trends are pointing to procedures that offer a minimal recovery time. Patients want stunning, immediate results and the ability to go back to work sooner. For those looking for a youthful, rested look, the Contour Threadlift™ is the ultimate facelift solution.

Contour ThreadLift™ is a minimally-invasive way to address problem areas in the central area of the face and restore a youthful glow. The procedure requires tiny incisions and the insertion of surgical thread and barbed sutures that lift and tighten jowls and the loose skin around the mouth and neck.

The results are instantly noticeable and for those who prefer minimal scarring, no hospital stay and no general anesthesia, the Contour Threadlift™ is the answer.

Other advantages to this facelift is that it costs much less than a full facelift and that it could be combined with other surgical procedures such as BOTOX®, chemical peels and liposuction of the neck and jowls.

The Threads™ do not dissolve over time, therefore, they typically last 3 to 5 years. The threads are made of polypropylene, a safe material used in surgeries in the brain and heart for over 30 years.

Not all patients make good candidates for a Contour Threadlift™. Patients who have thin, fragile skin with very little facial fat, or those who have heavy jowls do not make good candidates. It is always advised to seek the opinion of a Board-Certified Surgeon before undergoing any type of facelift procedure. Ask your surgeon if the Threadlift™ is right for you.

Over 400,000 people die each year from smoking-related illnesses. Most smokers don’t realize the hazards smoking causes, especially when it comes to plastic surgery. Regular smokers, those exposed to second hand smoke and “social” smokers are all at high risk if they decide to undergo plastic surgery.

When it comes to smokers, plastic surgeons limit the amount of procedures they perform. In fact, according to a 2002 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), “Eighty-eight percent of plastic surgeons surveyed said they would perform procedures that did not involve skin flaps or skin separation such as nose reshaping, breast augmentation or liposuction.” This is because smoking increases risks of pulmonary complications and can slow down the process of wound healing, which may negatively affect the outcome of a surgery. Some plastic surgeons change their technique in order to successfully perform a procedure.

Studies show that smokers who undergo surgery requiring skin flaps are 12 times more likely than non smokers to suffer healing problems. In other words, breast reductions and tummy tucks create skin flaps and therefore put a patient at risk for healing complications. This is because the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen, which is essential for wound healing.

Tobacco smoke contains nicotine and carbon monoxide, which are the two most harmful substances that affect wound healing. These 2 substances, along with the rest of the 3, 800 unidentified substances found in tobacco smoke can impair healing and seriously limit the final outcome of the procedure.

Smoking also comes in the way of anesthesia and a body’s ability to fight infection. Studies show that smokers often develop harsh coughs during anesthesia. Smoking weakens the lungs and airways, affects blood vessels, affects the heart, elevates heart rates and raises blood pressure. Patients who smoke exhibit blood clotting, which also affects healing. Smokers also experience longer bruising periods which last a couple months, while non smokers experience bruising for only a couple of weeks.

Since smoking raises the risk of complications, some plastic surgeons require their patients to quit smoking for at least 2 weeks before the surgery. Some surgeons cancel the scheduled surgery if their patients have not followed through with the requirement. Many patients take advantage of the requirement and decide to quit smoking altogether.

Patients who smoke should consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for advice. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons understand these issues and are willing to help you reach optimum results.

Having weight loss surgery is a very important step in one’s life. The results are life-changing and patients are required to keep up with a mandatory dietary and exercise plans to maintain their weight and decrease health risks. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge of what to expect before, during and after the surgery.

When considering weight loss surgery, speaking to a Board-Certified Surgeon can help clarify your concerns, feelings and goals. Asking questions and getting answers can make you feel more at ease and inform you on what to expect after the procedure.

1800mySurgeon has put together a list of question and answers to the most frequently asked weight loss surgery questions.

Am I a good candidate for weight loss surgery?
It is required that patients have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or approximately 100 pounds overweight (for men) and 80 pounds overweight (for women). For those who have a lower BMI, they need to have serious health problems such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Before turning to weight loss surgery, a patient should try to lose weight through non-surgical methods (dieting and exercising) and understand the risks fully.

How does weight loss surgery result in weight loss?
Both types of weight loss surgery helps patients lose weight in their own ways.

• Restrictive surgeries, such as adjustable gastric banding, restrict the size of the stomach to hold only one ounce of food and therefore the quantity of solid food a patient can eat is limited.

• Malabsorptive surgeries, such as gastric bypass, change the digestive system by removing parts of the digestive tract. This creates a shortcut for the food to be digested, allowing fewer calories to be absorbed.

What are the possible risks?

• Vomiting and nausea may occur if too much food is consumed too quickly or not chewed well
• Constipation and bleeding in the stool
• Nutritional deficiencies such as anemia and osteoporosis
• Wound infections
• Gall stones
• Ulcers
• Hernia
• Scarring of the stomach pouch

• Blood clots in the lungs (very severe and could be cause of death)

Does weight loss surgery improve my overall health?
It is reported by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) that weight loss surgery can improve health conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Migraines
• Depression
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular disease
• Degenerate joint disease
• Cholesterol

Does weight loss surgery affect nutrition?
After surgery, the body may not be able to absorb essential nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron and Vitamin B-12. Patients must be sure to take daily multi-vitamins to make up for any deficiencies.

Do I need to make lifestyle changes?
According to the ASMBS, it is essential for patients to make dietary and exercising changes to their current lifestyle to ensure long lasting results with surgery. The ASMBS recommends patients to:

• Eat small meals, chewing slowly and well
• Eat foods that are high in nutritional value
• Exercise regularly to prevent weight regain

How much does weight loss surgery cost?
Weight loss surgery can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $35,000. Most insurance companies ask to see documentation of a patient’s obesity before covering the costs of surgery, including proof that the patient tried to lose weight through diet, exercise and counseling for at least 5 years. Some patients may prefer to finance weight loss surgery.

Can women get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
Patients are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 2 years after weight loss surgery. The first 2 years of surgery are when weight loss occurs and nutritional deficiencies may pose a threat to both mother and child.

How can I find a qualified weight loss surgeon?
Finding a qualified weight loss surgeon to perform your surgery makes a big difference in the outcome of the procedure. Patients should look for a surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgery and performs it regularly. 1800mySurgeon has prescreened Board-Certified Surgeons in their network and can find patients a qualified Board-Certified Surgeon in their area.

It is important not to rush into weight loss surgery. Thinking about it thoroughly and having all your questions answered will help prepare yourself emotionally. Consult with a Board-Certified Surgeon in your area and get all the answers you need for a successful outcome.

Breast size is an important part of a woman’s appearance and confidence. Small or disproportioned breasts can cause you to feel self-conscious and worry about your attractiveness.  A breast augmentation procedure can improve your figure, boost your self-esteem, give you the peace of mind to wear a variety of clothing and feel comfortable in them, as well as give you a better quality of life.

If you once had full, firm breasts and are experiencing sagging and droopiness after pregnancy, you may be envying women with fuller, shapelier breasts. The feeling of discomfort or embarrassment is normal, and you are not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 347,500 women underwent breast augmentation in 2007. Here are just some of the benefits that breast augmentation can provide.

Aesthetic Improvement
Breast augmentation can improve the overall look and appearance of your figure. If you feel that your body is not well balanced because you have small breasts, breast enlargement can add the necessary curves to your profile.

Restore Volume
Pregnancy and aging can cause droopiness and sagging to your breasts. Breast implants can not only restore breast size, but they can lift the breasts and bring back the symmetry of the breasts.

Increased Confidence
Adding size and contour to your breasts can help you eliminate feelings of inadequacy or loss of confidence. Women who have had breast augmentation typically report increased self-esteem and confidence, self-assurance and increased social and occupational opportunities.

Increased Clothing Options
One of the most exciting benefits of breast augmentation is the wide range of clothing options that you can choose from. Breast enlargement can make you look fuller and better in a dress or blouse, and can even make wearing a swimsuit a more pleasant experience.

No matter what your reasons are for having breast augmentation, it is important to keep in mind that not just any plastic surgeon can successfully perform the procedure. Finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience, training and qualifications is essential to your long-term happiness. A plastic surgeon can give you advice and answer all your questions, so you can make sure you enjoy all the benefits that breast augmentation has to offer.

There’s no doubt that plastic surgery can change your lifestyle and make you feel good both inside and out. As this field is on the rise, it becomes increasingly important to choose a plastic surgeon that is trusted and can deliver the best results. Any doctor with a physician’s license can say they are a cosmetic surgeon. That’s how important it is to find a certified and trained plastic surgeon.

Doctors who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) are certified plastic surgeons. They comprise of the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. Member surgeons are also members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, devoted face and body plastic surgery. ASPS makes it mandatory for member surgeons to have at least five years of surgical training, two of those years in which plastic surgery was the main focus.

Certified plastic surgeons perform a variety of procedures including but not limited to breast enhancement, liposuction, body and facial contouring. Most procedures, especially reconstruction, can significantly improve the quality of life and drastically boost self-image and self-esteem. No matter what a patient’s motivation for undergoing plastic surgery, ASPS member surgeons always try to help people look and feel great.

According to the ASPS, there are nearly 6,000 ASPS member plastic surgeons in the U.S. who:

• Are American Board of Plastic Surgery® certified
• Complete a minimum of 5 years of general surgery, with  2 of those years concentrated on plastic surgery
• Follow a code of ethics
• Keep up with education requirements and are up to date with innovations in patient safety
• Practice in accredited facilities

Meeting with your plastic surgeon for a consultation is a good first step. Discussing your goals will help establish a good understanding between you and your doctor. This will give your surgeon a chance to examine you and provide you with the best procedure so that you can achieve your goals and get desired results.

Make sure your plastic surgeon answers all your questions clearly. He/she should also consider your thoughts. Ask your plastic surgeon for other appropriate alternatives, risks and possible outcomes. They should welcome questions about his/her professional qualifications and questions regarding costs and payment. Your plastic surgeon should not pressure you or brainwash you to perform other procedures and should advise you well enough so you can make an informed final decision.