How Should I Choose My Surgeon?

By Dr. Kimberly Henry

Published on June 29, 2010

It is very important that potential plastic surgery patients choose a surgeon and doctor that they can trust. Patients should also make sure the physician is well qualified as well. Here are a few sample questions patients should ask when looking for a plastic surgeon:

1. Have you successfully passed rigorous written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
2. Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
3. Have you completed at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training?
4. Have you completed post medical training, including patient safety training each year?
5. Have you preformed surgery in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facilities?
6. Do you follow a strict code of ethics?

If your prospective surgeon has passed all requisite tests and completed recommended surgical training, is board-certified, and follows rigorous safety standards and a physician code of ethics, he or she may be the right surgeon to perform your procedure.

Dr. Kimberly Henry is a Bay Area plastic surgeon that performs breast augmentation and other procedures.