A How To Guide In the United States physicians are licensed to practice medicine by state licensing boards. Once licensed, there are no federal laws that expressly define what procedures a physician can and cannot perform. In other words, a physician not trained to perform plastic surgery could claim to be a specialist in plastic surgery and perform procedures which they are not qualified. Hard to believe but unfortunately this does happen. Ask About Training & Board Certification Status Make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (AMBS). To become board certified by this board a plastic surgeon must first complete intensive training in an accredited training program. Thereafter the surgeon must pass rigorous written and oral examinations given by the board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of only 24 accredited specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and is the only board recognized by the ABMS to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and body. There are a number of other boarding organizations that include "facial" or "cosmetic" in the title. These are not recognized by the ABMS and do not have the same training requirements. To verify a physicians board status contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at (215) 587-9322 or www.abplsurg.org. You may also contact the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1 (800) 776-2378 or www.abms.org. Operating Facility Safety Standards Many cosmetic procedures are performed in clinic operating rooms as this offers the patient a significant reduction in cost. This is a safe and effective practice so long as the safety of the patient is not compromised in the process. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery require that all plastic surgery performed under anesthesia other than minor local anesthesia meet specific criteria. The rate of serious complications in accredited facilities is extremely low and is comparable to the risk in a freestanding surgical center or hospital outpatient facility. Personality Choose a surgeon whom is confident, likeable and ethical. The relationship between you and your plastic surgeon will be a long lasting one. The process is much more enjoyable if you enjoy the surgeon and his or her staff. You should never leave a consultation feeling pressured or that you are being talked into a procedure you are not interested in. Additionally, ask your surgeon beforehand if there are any charges for revisions or treatment of complications.