Five things your plastic surgeon should have.

AboutPlasticSurgery.com is your one-stop-shop for finding a qualified surgeon, and the search feature will let you see surgeons in your area. As you start to weed through the results, keep in mind that you want a surgeon with:

1. A board certification in plastic surgery from the American Board of Plastic Surgery® or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.
Anyone can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, but you want a surgeon who has special training and expertise in plastic surgery. To be board-certified, a surgeon goes through a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation. All of the surgeons listed in AboutPlasticSurgery.com are board-certified by one of the two board mentioned above. Additionally, a surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), will have the specific qualifications you’re looking for.

2. Specific experience with your procedure. Ask your potential surgeon how many years they’ve been working in the field (three years is a good guide) and how many of the procedures you’re interested in (such as breast lift, breast implants, or breast reductions) they’ve done.

3. Hospital privileges at accredited surgical facilities. Find out where the surgeon operates; it should be a facility that has accreditation by the Joint Commission, the non-profit organization that accredits and certifies 18,000+ facilities in the U.S. (Accreditation Canada is the Canadian equivalent).

4. Knowledge and ethics. Your surgeon should be able to answer all of your questions, and should be upfront about all of the possible risks associated with the procedures you’re inquiring about. You should never feel tricked or pressured into any decisions.

5.  That magic X factor. Call it bedside manner, charm, or attitude. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon: They are your partner in this journey.