Choosing a Surgeon

 The doctor-patient relationship is of foremost importance in your decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure. If you or your doctor are not completely comfortable with each other your chances of having a successful outcome are significantly diminished. Communication, as in any relationship, is critical. If you are uncomfortable with someone you are less likely to communicate freely with them. Word of mouth is an important source of referrals. Ask your family doctor, your dermatologist, an aesthetician, or your hairdresser if they have heard of your facial plastic surgeon. There are a number of credentials that a doctor must have to perform facial plastic surgery, and there are a number of specialties within the field. Knowing which one (or ones) your doctor specializes in will help you to make an educated decision. For help finding a surgeon in your area, or for more information on facial plastic surgery, you can contact the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), which qualifies facial plastic surgeons. The American Board of Otolaryngology also includes extensive training in facial plastic surgery, and is recognized to qualify facial plastic surgeons by the ABMS. Diplomats of the ABFPRS have to meet high standards through a rigorous program of examination and certification. The ABFPRS has been found equivalent to American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in every state that has standards for such equivalence. The American Board of Otolaryngology also includes extensive training in facial plastic surgery and is recognized to qualify Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons by the ABMS.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is the world's largest specialty association that represents facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck. AAFPRS members subscribe to a strict code of ethics.

Diplomats of the ABFPRS have to meet high standards through a rigorous program of examination and certification. The ABFPRS has been found equivalent to American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in every state that has standards for such equivalence. The American Board of Otolaryngology also includes extensive training in facial plastic surgery and is recognized to qualify Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons by the ABMS.