How to Check a Breast Reduction/Cosmetic Surgeon's Record

Making the decision to have a breast reduction or any cosmetic surgery is a tough decision. Although most surgeries go without any problems, complications can arise. One way to prevent complications is to make sure your breast reduction/cosmetic surgeon is in good standing. Here's how to check your breast reduction/cosmetic surgeons record.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Computer

Instructions

1. Are they certified? The first thing to check is whether your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To find out, simply call [phone] or go to the American Board of Plastic Surgery Web site.

2. Check hospital privileges. Not all doctors have the right to perform surgeries in a hospital. Before you let a surgeon perform an operation on you, make sure they are privileged to perform that surgery in a hospital.

3. Get a biographical background. You can get a complete biographical background report on your surgeon through the American Medical Association. There is a small fee for the report.

4. Check the surgical facility's accreditation. Whether the surgery will occur in a hospital or an off-site surgical center, always make sure the facility is accredited. To find out, simply go to the American Hospital Directory Web site.

5. Talk to others. One of the best ways to find out about your surgeon's record is to talk to others. If people are generally pleased with the surgeon's work, then the surgeon should be a safe choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to provide you with their credentials and patient recommendations.

• Ask your doctor how many surgeries he or she has performed and what complications have occurred.

• If your gut tells you not to go with the surgeon, look for somebody else.