If you have decided to go ahead with cosmetic surgeon, you want to make sure that when you find a cosmetic surgeon, the doctor you find is top-quality. Recommendations from friends or family can help. But when you choose a cosmetic surgeon, you also want to get someone who has the credentials. This is where board certification can help.

Although there is no such thing as being board certified only in cosmetic surgery, there is certification for plastic surgery. This is important to remember when you try to find a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon. There are several certifying organizations. The American Board of Plastic Surgery ® (ABPS) certifies physicians in the field of plastic surgery. The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPR) certifies doctors in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery ® (ABPS) certifies physicians in the field of plastic surgery for both the body and face. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada ® also certifies doctors in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

There are also organizations that set standards for members to meet, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In Australia, cosmetic surgeons may be members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. In Great Britain, plastic surgeons can be members of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons or BAPRAS. In the United Kingdom, there is also In the United Kingdom, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. In Canada, there is the Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery, and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Depending on where you are getting the surgery, ask if your doctor is a member of such a group.

There is also certification for doctors who are not cosmetic surgeons, but who may do similar procedures. The American Board of Dermatology certifies physicians in the field of dermatology or skin care. The American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO) certifies doctors in head and neck surgery.

In addition to certification, when you're trying to find a cosmetic surgeon, ask the doctors you're considering about their medical school, and what they do to stay current with advances in cosmetic surgery. These can be very serious medical procedures and should not be taken lightly. Make sure you really consider whether or not you need this.

In general, talk to at least three different doctors before making a decision. Make sure you have all your questions answered. Find a cosmetic surgeon who takes the time to explain what will be done, and who treats you as a unique patient. Talk about potential risks that may develop, and ask how the surgeon will reduce the chances of problems happening. Ask to see before-and after pictures and photos of patients who had the procedure you're thinking about getting. Remember that before-and-after photos of cosmetic surgery may not tell the whole story, so ask if you can also talk to some of the patients in person. Talk about financing too and cost. You don't want to choose a surgeon based on cheap price, but price is an issue, as most cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance.