If I had to choose a plastic surgery doctor, I would choose Sean McNamara or Christian Troy from Nip/Tuck, but unfortunately they do not exist in the real world. However, let us not digress. Choosing a plastic surgery doctor is serious business and any doctor you choose should be thoroughly researched before you decide. Here are a few basic tips on choosing a plastic surgery doctor.

First of all, choosing a plastic surgery doctor that has Board Certification is a must. This title means that all required training has been completed and that this doctor has met all of the obligations in order to perform plastic surgery set forth by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). If you are looking for more specifics, becoming Board Certified means that this plastic surgery doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school, completed residency in general surgery AND plastic surgery, has completed various mandatory examinations, and possesses an active medical license in the state in which he/she practices. DO NOT BE FOOLED! Any doctor can call himself a plastic surgeon, so be sure to check with the ABPS before choosing your plastic surgery doctor.

Next, in your quest for choosing the right plastic surgery doctor check to see if this doctor has ever had any complaints or legal action brought against him/her. Even if the doctor has had a suit filed against him/her, you want to find out whether or not the plastic surgery doctor was held responsible. Since any type of plastic surgery is risky, there is a chance it can have a negative outcome. You should focus on with whether or not the plastic surgery doctor was at fault. You can verify any of this information with your state's medical board.

Finally, ask your plastic surgery doctor if you can see some before and after photographs of previous patients. In particular you will probably want to see patients who had the same type of surgery in which you are interested. In this way, you can see the quality of the plastic surgery doctor's work with your own eyes before you make a final decision.

Of course, these are not the only concerns you may have when searching for a plastic surgery doctor. Make sure you ask plenty of questions when you have your initial consultation so that you will become as informed as possible beforehand. Follow these tips and you will most surely be satisfied with the plastic surgery doctor who performs the procedure - even if it's not Sean McNamara or Christian Troy.