The decision to get plastic surgery is very personal, and it will have a dramatic impact on your life. One of the most important aspects of the process is choosing the right plastic surgeon. When performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, your procedure can help you look and feel your very best. But if you work with a surgeon who lacks the training to deliver excellent results, your risk of complications increases significantly. Make sure to do your research. There are many doctors who focus on other specialties who offer cosmetic services in order to boost their income. Often, these doctors may have only taken a weekend course and lack the extensive experience necessary to achieve excellent results. Before selecting a plastic surgeon, research his or her education and training (including residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery). Also, make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you have any friends or family members who have undergone plastic surgery, ask them if they would recommend their surgeon. Talk to them about their experience. You can learn a great deal about what to expect from the experiences of former plastic surgery patients. Once you have gathered some recommendations and researched several plastic surgeons’ credentials online, schedule a consultation with a few of the surgeons. Your consultation is a very important meeting. It gives you an opportunity to learn more about the surgeon’s background and credentials, and you will be able to get answers to all of your questions about your desired procedure. You should also ask to view before and after photos of former patients to get a better idea for what can be accomplished during your procedure. Keep in mind that attending a consultation does not mean you are committed to working with a particular plastic surgeon. If after this meeting you do not feel comfortable moving forward with the plastic surgeon, continue your search until you find someone you trust. If you are interested in plastic surgery in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Dr. David Bottger today to schedule your initial consultation.