Choosing the best Plastic Surgeon is important, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Plastic Surgery includes a large variety of elective procedures designed to enhance appearance. Procedures like, Liposuction, Facelifts, Eyelid Lifts, Breast Enhancement and Tummy Tucks can improve self esteem, but how do you pick the best Plastic Surgeon? One that listens to your concerns and helps you achieve your desired results.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
The logo above may only be used by surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
The Gold Standard organization certifying qualified Plastic Surgeons is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ABMS certified board certifies the Plastic Surgeons have:
- The proper prerequisite training by checking training programs
- The proper knowledge base through written and oral examinations
- Continued learning through CME requirements and yearly testing
- Patient safety by requiring all certificate holders to operate in certified centers
You can check the board status of every currently certified Plastic Surgeon on the ABPS website.
Professional Society Active Membership
The majority of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are also members of the two major US plastic surgery societies.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) represents over 11,000 members worldwide, with roughly 92% of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States belonging to the organization. As of early 2025, there are approximately 7,752 active diplomates certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Approximately 2,600 to over 5,000 board-certified plastic surgeons are members of The Aesthetic Society, formerly the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). While there are about 8,000+ board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States, about 2,600 of these specifically hold membership in the Aesthetic Society (ASAPS), which focuses on aesthetic/cosmetic procedures.
If you are having Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, you will want to choose a plastic surgeon specializing in Cosmetic Surgery. The Aesthetic Society is the only national society of plastic surgeons dedicated to cosmetic surgery.
Experience and Specialization
After ascertaining a plastic surgeon’s training and certification, the next most import ingredient to success is experience. A surgeon who specializes in the specific procedure you want and who performs it regularly is a must. Ask for a portfolio of before-and-after photos to confirm their aesthetic style matches your goals, most plastic surgeons have these on their website.
Patient Safety
Safety & Facility Accreditation are often overlooked by patients. The operating facility should be accredited (e.g., AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO), ensuring high safety standards for anesthesia, sterility and equipment. Be certain your Plastic Surgeon operates in an accredited facility. If you choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and ASPS or ASPAS member, these are requirements for membership, so these organizations have checked for you.
Communication & Rapport
Ensure you feel comfortable with the surgeon. It is important that you are on the same page and can communicate well. A good rapport leads to better care and superior results. They should be honest about risks, realistic outcomes, and provide personalized treatment plans. If you’re not feeling it, get a second opinion.
Friends or family members who have had plastic surgery are great referral sources. They can give you an in to an experienced plastic surgeon whom they trust. If you don’t know anyone who has had the procedure you are looking for, the national professional societies offer surgeon finders. The Aesthetic Society has a list of plastic surgeons specializing in Cosmetic Procedures.
A Real Patient Speaks
To hear the experience of my patient Colby, click to view an episode of Beyond the Before and After which is featured on the The Aesthetic Society website here: Dr. Mele’s patient on Beyond the Before and After
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Consultations
In the San Francisco Bay Area call (925) 943-6353 to schedule a private consultation appointment in our Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office. For a list of the procedures we offer and before and after pictures search this blog by category or visit our main website at DrMele.com. En Español: Cirugía Plástica San Francisco Bay Area.
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