Lipoplasty – Choosing a Surgeon

Most liposuction patients are happy with their results; however, the success of your surgery may be greatly affected by the professional level of your plastic surgeon. Needless to say, you should find a plastic surgeon with solid medical training, considerable surgical skill and extensive plastic surgery experience in order to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Learn specific professional qualifications for qualified liposuction surgeons.

Why Should You Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon?

It is preferable and recommended that you choose a board-certified surgeon. Board certification means that the doctor successfully completed an approved educational program and met board certification requirements, including an examination to determine his or her ability to provide quality medical care. The ABPS is the American Board of Plastic Surgery and it is responsible for certifying plastic surgeons.

Find out more on "What it means to be a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon."

Are All Board Certification Levels the Same?

Board certification as a plastic surgeon does not always guarantee a successful outcome for liposuction surgery. The surgeon's skill depends on other factors such as training, frequency and complexity of surgeries, use of the innovative liposuction techniques, types and dosage of anesthesia, and more. However, board certification does guarantee that the surgeon has a high level of training and that his surgical experience and skill have been reviewed and certified by a board of other plastic surgeons.

What If Your Surgeon Is Not Certified by ABPS or ABO?

In this case, your doctor may be qualified to perform lipoplasty. Get more information on what other board certifications entail and how they differ from the certification by the ABPS and the ABO

Is Your Doctor a Member of a Plastic Surgery Association or Society?

Learn the difference between board certification and membership in a plastic surgery association or society. You can also read a chapter on how to choose a plastic surgeon in the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.

Verify Whether a Plastic Surgeon Is Board-Certified

To verify your plastic surgeon's board certification, use the American Board of Medical Specialties certification verification. You will have to register for the free service. (The Board does not require the submission of any additional information other than your first name and e-mail address.)

What Are the Operating Facility Requirements?

Most surgeons have operating room facilities in their own office or they perform surgery at a outpatient surgical facility. The facility where the surgery is performed must meet certain quality standards and be accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). You can learn about the standards and verify that an office or facility is accredited by the AAAASF by visiting their Surgery Facilities Web Page. While certification cannot guarantee that every procedure performed at the facility will be completely safe, the stringent accreditation process greatly reduces patients' risk of suffering major personal injury or wrongful death while undergoing surgery.

Surgeons For Other Types of Procedures

Are you looking information about other types of plastic surgery or body contouring procedures? Our network of websites can help educate you about breast implants surgery and how to choose a breast augmentation surgeon. You can also about facelift cost. For older patients who often seek skin rejuvenation treatment or anti-aging treatment, they may also be interested in eye care topics related to aging, such as the presbyopia condition.  For elective dental procedures, consumers can visit the Consumer Guide to Dentistry to learn about smile makeover, dental veneers and dental implants.