There are three very important qualities to look for when choosing a cosmetic surgeon:

Expertise

Any licensed physician can perform cosmetic surgery and some do with little more specialize training than attendance at a weekend seminar. It’s unfortunate that so many physicians are willing to perform cosmetic surgery without the prerequisite education. That is why it is very important that you look into the background and education of a cosmetic surgeon before you consider having them perform any cosmetic procedure. Make sure that the physician has sufficient training and experience in the particular procedure you are considering.

No one medical specialty has a monopoly on the field of cosmetic surgery. However, some specialties have contributed more to the body of knowledge than others. Dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, oral maxillary surgery, and plastic surgery, are all specialties that have contributed significantly to the field of cosmetic surgery. Tumescent Liposuction, Hair Transplantation, Laser Resurfacing, Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Hair Removal, Chemical Peel, and Collagen treatments were all originated or revolutionized by Dermatologists.

This doesn’t mean other medical specialties should not perform those procedures. The important point is that any physician performing a procedure must have adequate, formalized training before you consider them for your procedure. Claims that one specialty is the more competent in performing a cosmetic surgery procedure is not a substitute for actual training and experience.

Quality

The saying “Quality, not Quantity” is important to remember in cosmetic surgery. Many doctors believe performing ten cosmetic surgeries a day makes them a better surgeon. If this philosophy were true, McDonalds would be a “5 Star Restaurant”. If a physician runs an assembly line, the patients get lost in the shuffle and quality decreases drastically.

Integrity

It is of paramount importance that physicians educate their patients on the various treatment alternatives, be it surgery, medication, or nothing at all. The physician should act as the patient's advocate, not as a salesman trying to convince a potential to go forward with an unneeded procedure. A doctor should never try to sell a patient on a cosmetic surgery procedure that is not in the patient's best interest.