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Dear Doctor:

"While board-certification is one way to measure the exposure a surgeon has had in plastic surgical training, a passing grade on an examination does not ensure competence." - E. Gaylon McCollough, M.D., LLC Dear Dr. McCollough: I am contemplating a face-lift, and in my search for answers I went to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery website (www.aafprs.org). They list some safety guidelines for patients contemplating surgery. What more can you tell me about how I should choose a surgeon?

Dear Reader: When it comes to surgery designed to change your appearance, there is no substitute for the surgeon's experience. However, you will also want to look at the doctor's credentials. But, do you know what the term "board-certified" really means?

After graduating from medical school and completing a residency in a surgical specialty of his or her own choosing, the doctor pays a fee to take an examination. The test is prepared by a credentialing "board" in the medical or surgical specialty of his or her choice. If the doctor passes the examination, he or she receives a certificate indicating that that he or she is "board-certified."

While board-certification is one way to measure the exposure a surgeon has had in plastic surgical training, a passing grade on an examination does not ensure competence. The training a doctor receives beyond residency and the experience the doctor has in performing a given procedure hundreds or thousands-of times are also important considerations. Contrary to what some certifying boards might claim, it is likely that the least important factor in choosing a doctor is which organization issued the diploma hanging on a doctor's wall.

So, what is the best way to choose a surgeon? Ask people you trust to provide the names of leading surgeons, who perform the particular operation you are considering. Then interview the doctors that top most people's list. And, don't get in too much of a rush. Many times the fact that it might take a few weeks to get an appointment indicates that the doctor is in high demand.

Remember, it is your body, and you have the right to ask questions which concern it and your welfare. Write the questions you intend to ask the doctor on a piece of paper or carry this article with you. The following are questions you should ask:

Of all the branches of plastic surgery, which one(s) do you specialize in?

In your career, how many of the procedures like the ones I am considering have you personally performed?

How many of the operations like the one you would recommend for me do you perform in the average week?

Who will perform my surgery? (This is important, because, in some university teaching centers one surgeon might do portions of the surgery and allow doctors in training to do other portions.)

Tell me about your complication rate? What is the worst complication you have had? How many times has the "worst" occurred in your career?

Are recovery facilities and trained personnel available for me after surgery, or will I be sent home?

When it comes to plastic surgery, informed consumers make better choices, which often lead to happier outcomes.

The New McCollough Plastic Surgery Consumer Information Center has offices in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida and provide consumers with FREE information about cosmetic surgery procedures. Please call us at 1-877-TUCK UPS for information or to schedule a private consultation at a location near you.

The foregoing represents the professional opinions of the writer. If you would like information or a FREE copy of Dr. McCollough's latest book, call 251-967-7000 or visit www.mccolloughinstitute.com.