It is often difficult to make the decision to have plastic surgery. But the next step can be even more difficult. How do you choose a plastic surgeon you trust to operate on you? No matter what type of plastic surgery you are considering, the most important thing is that its success depends on which surgeon you choose to operate on you. Step 1: Gather a list of surgeons In order to choose a good plastic surgeon, your first step is to gather a list of good candidates. There are several good sources of information on where to get this list. Friends. If you have a friend who has had a certain type of surgery and you would like to have the same type of surgery, talk to her. Keep in mind, however, that the outcome of your surgery may be completely different from hers. Physicians and nurses. A physician or operating room nurse you know may be able to refer you to a plastic surgeon. Hospitals. Call the hospital you think is better and ask for the name of the hospital’s plastic surgeon. Be sure to ask for a physician who can do the procedure you are considering. Step 2: Check Reputation Once you have gathered the names of a few physicians, you can start checking their reputation. A good reputation will ensure the success of the surgery and greatly increase the probability of success. You can repeat the above steps to get this information from hospitals, professional societies and physicians’ offices. Training. The most important thing is from which medical school did the surgeon graduate? Where did you study plastic surgery? Has there been a complete plastic surgery residency? This training includes five or six years of intensive training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Although the surgeon you choose will only perform some of these procedures, this background of intensive training provides a good foundation for his skills. Society Certification. A physician certified by the Chinese Society of Plastic Surgery indicates that the physician is a graduate of an accredited medical school and has received formal training in plastic surgery-usually 3 years of basic surgery and 3 years of plastic surgery training. Hospital: Qualification to practice in a major formal hospital indicates that the physician is recognized by the hospital and his or her peers. During the consultation, the surgeon should: Answer your questions thoroughly and in a way that you can understand. Discuss your motivations and expectations for surgery. Suggest other appropriate options without forcing you to undergo unnecessary surgery. Welcome questions about qualifications, experience, and price. Figure out the possible risks and outcomes of the surgery. If the practitioner shows you after photos of other people’s surgeries, there is no guarantee that you will get the same results in the future.