Find Your Own Top Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for Your Face Lift Surgery (or Any Other Cosmetic Surgery) for Men and Women

As we've discussed, choosing the best board certified plastic surgeon is not always the most budget-friendly method to getting your cosmetic facelift. However, with the risks of death and disfigurement in black market plastic surgery, this is the safest option. But picking up the phone book and choosing the first surgeon you see at random will not suffice on its own as well. Here are some guidelines to use in your search process.

Cast a Wide Net: The best way to begin your search is by asking everyone you know for a plastic surgeon referral. Ask your hairstylist, who sees women on a daily basis. Ask your gynecologist, who cares for women before, during and after pregnancy. Talk to friends and acquaintances who have either had or know someone who's had a breast lift.

Harness the Power of Google: The internet is your friend whenever you're looking for something, so use it to find a great board certified plastic surgeon. Try "best plastic surgeons in (your city/state)", or "board certified plastic surgeons in _____". Don't be afraid to click sponsored links if they appear to advertise exactly what you're looking for.

Schedule one-on-one Consultations: Get with several surgeons and establish connections. Seek a plastic surgeon that makes you feel at ease in their presence, exudes professionalism, eagerly shows you their portfolio, and who listens to your questions and provides good answers to them. You want to feel comfortable with the idea of them operating on you.

Prescreen his office. Calling the surgeon's office prior to consultation can give you a feel of the plastic surgeon's business environment. Nasty receptionists that cut you off while speaking and appear mechanical and unfriendly are not a positive indication of a pleasant plastic surgery clinic. A warmer, friendlier environment denotes respect for you as a patient, and for all the money you'll spend, you'll want to get the best treatment possible, before, during and after you go under the knife.

Avoid sensational advertisements. Ads in the paper for cheap "no-money-down" surgery at "clearance" prices scream of illegal procedures and unlicensed non-professionals. A real doctor worth his salt is aware of his value and will charge accordingly, even in a recession. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Bargain hunting overseas is a no-no. Going overseas for black market plastic surgery is not a smart idea either. "Bargain basement priced surgery," as Joan Rivers puts it in her book Men Are Stupid...And They Like Big Boobs, are a booming industry that pulls over "$100 million a year." Unforunately, there are loads of potential complications related to making such a choice when pursuing plastic surgery: you cannot get follow up appointments, most of these doctors are certified, and there's no guarantee that the cosmetic facelift you desire will be performed correctly. Also, there's no protection if something goes wrong.

Be prepared to spend a pretty penny. The cosmetic facelift surgery you seek will not come at a low price, especially if you pick a top of the line cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic Facelifts easily run from five to twenty five thousand dollars, with rates varying from doctor to doctor. It's advised that you save for the procedure or have secure financing in place.

Call professional organizations. The American Society of American Plastic Surgery has a hotline you can call toll-free for a referral in your area. Calling the ASAPS at 888-272-7711 can be beneficial as they can provide referrals on some of the top plastic surgeons near you. The ASAPS is a good information source because their membership isn't based on certification alone, but also on the quality of work their surgeons perform, including patient care. In addition, you can contact the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) at 800-635-0635. They will provide you up to five member plastic surgeons in the area. Their members are all certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires eight years of training than what is required for initial plastic surgery certification.

Additionally, you can call the Medical Board in your state and verify any board certified and licensed plastic surgeons in your area, and check out the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as they provide the highest, most important certification a plastic surgeon an possess.