How much do you know about your cosmetic surgeon? We understand that you are anxious to press forward with your decision to have surgery, but it's important to proceed with caution. Without knowing your surgeon's background, you could be putting yourself at risk. Here are a few of the basic questions you need to ask before choosing a doctor.

Is this doctor a licensed, board-certified cosmetic surgeon? There are dozens of different societies and boards that offer certification programs. However, the American Board of Plastic Surgery has the most stringent requirements, including a degree from an accredited university, five years of residency as a surgeon (three as a general surgeon and two as a plastic surgeon), and successful completion of written and oral examinations. When you stop to consider that many states allow licensed doctors to practice any specialty (regardless of their training and experience), it's a good idea to run complete background and work history checks.

Your cosmetic surgeon should have hospital-admitting privileges on the slim chance that some complications arise from your surgery. You want to make sure that everyone involved in the procedure, from the anesthesiologist to the surgeon, is trained and skilled in variety of medical fields. You may also want to ask if the surgeon has medical malpractice insurance and whether he or she has any outstanding claims against him in regard to malpractice.

Finally, spend a great deal of time reading over the patient consent form. Be sure that all of the information including procedure, risks, consequences and recovery are spelled out in detail. Do not sign it until your cosmetic surgeon has covered all of the information thoroughly. To find a reputable doctor near you, contact Physicians Marketing Group today and arrange for a free consultation.