Things to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon: He or She * Is well recognized from his/her peers * Is board-certified in plastic surgery * Has hospital privileges * Is a member of a recognized medical society * Is well recognized throughout community * He/she is fellowship trained in their specialty field Be wary of a plastic surgeon who: * Is not affiliated with any hospitals * Has serious disciplinary actions issued against him/her * Does not explain pros and cons clearly, and is eager to start surgery * Has a rude and/or unprofessional staff * Is not certified with American Board of Medical Specialists in plastic surgery.

Make sure your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery with American Board of Medical Specialists (abms.org). It is governing board of 24 member boards, and most approved and accredited credentialing board in America.

Check with Federation of State Medical Boards (fsmb.org) regarding disciplinary actions. The FSMB is a national association with membership consisting of 68 medical-licensing state boards. All states are included; therefore one search can determine if your doctor has ever been disciplined in any state.

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* For consumers who prefer only a top specialist based on extensive surveys performed, there are three well-known establishments claim they have best doctors in America. Each one has their own methodology in place, some more extensive than others. They are http://www.mdnationwide.org, with more than 3,000 of best doctors in America, Best Doctors establishment with more than 30,000 best doctors in America, and Castle Connolly establishment with more than 4,500 best doctors in America. Pros: 1. Methodology is much clearer 2. Only elite doctors, based on surveys conducted, are added to these databases. 3. Licensure status, certifications and other credentials are researched. 4. Best doctor databases are smaller, therefore information is easier to update. 5. Free top doctor search at http://www.mdnationwide.org/search.php Cons: 1. Because number of best doctors is a small percentage, there is less to choose from. 2. Best doctors do not reside in every zip code or city, therefore you may need to travel several hundred miles. MDNationwide Inc is a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about America’s Top Doctors. Visit http://www.mdnationwide.org