How to Check the Record of Your Implant/Cosmetic Surgeon

When having any kind of surgery, you want to research the record of your surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is not different. Some doctors will not be licensed in cosmetic surgery, but will still perform cosmetic surgery procedures. There are a few different places that you will need to call the check your implant/cosmetic surgeon’s record, because each place can verify one form of information for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check on his board certification. You want him to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (see Resources). There are other boards that he could be certified with, but ABPS is the most recognized. Board certification takes about 8 years after medical school to meet all of their requirements.
2. Contact your state licensing board. You need to make sure that your surgeon currently holds a medical license, and what field they are licensed to practice in.
3. Contact the medical board for you state. They can tell you if any disciplinary action has been taken against your surgeon. They can tell you if his license has ever been suspended of if it has ever been revoked.
4. Call the county courthouse of the county where the doctor practices. They could tell you if there are any pending cases against your surgeon. Pull up the cases to see what is involved in them. Surgeons do not always get sued for medical reasons.
5. Ask your personal physician. If your doctor doesn’t know the record of the cosmetic surgeon he or she referred you to, then you may want to ask for another referral. You can also ask your doctor for more ideas on how to check the records of the cosmetic surgeon.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask your surgeon to see his credentials. He should have them posted on the wall in his office and be eager to show them to you.
• Talk with former patients to get referrals. The surgeon could look good on paper, but his people skills might be lacking. You need to feel comfortable with your surgeon.
• Do not rush into surgery without researching the surgeon. Get references and read information about the surgery. You need to be well-informed and ready for the surgery.