The failure rate of cosmetic surgery is underreported, says Robert Kotler, MD, author of The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion (2005, Ernest Mitchell Publishers). Selecting a qualified doctor before going under the knife is critical for success, especially in this era of increasing competition, popularity, and specialization. Kotler, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with over thirty years’ experience, urges you to do your homework about the doctors you’re considering. Call the office manager, and if you don’t hear “yes” to these four criteria, try again with a different doctor:

1. Board Certification – In One of Four Legitimate Specialty Areas

• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Ophthalmology  
• Head and Neck Surgery

Board certification shows that the physician has undergone specialized, comprehensive training, and passed a tough test conducted by a group of similar experts.

2. Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Training – Beyond the Board

• Doctors who “go the extra mile” before starting a practice hone their skills through more narrowly focused training

3. Teaching at Medical Schools – Continuing Excellence

• Keeping up with latest developments in this complex, ever-changing field, and fielding questions from eager medical students keeps physicians enthusiastic, up-to-date, and highly skilled

4. Exclusive Cosmetic Surgery Practice – 100% Focus = “Superspecialist”

• The more specialized the surgeon, the better likelihood of a great outcome for you

Other Tips

• Select your surgeon based on procedure – if it’s a nose job, find out who’s doing a lot of them
• Ask which five procedures the doctor performs most often – if the one you’re seeking isn’t mentioned, find a different doctor
• Don’t feel intimidated – you want to be on a level playing field with your surgeon – and doctors appreciate a well-informed patient