As you might expect, a well-qualified, experienced facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeon is most likely to produce the result you desire. Certain criteria should be used to determine the suitability of the facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeon you are considering.

Is the physician a board-certified facial plastic surgeon?
The recognized boards for facial plastic surgery are: The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Statistically, over 75% of facial plastic surgery in the United States is performed by facial plastic surgeons. These are facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeons who have had 5 to 7 years of residency training in facial plastic surgery following medical school. These are also surgeons who restrict their practice of plastic surgery to the area of the face and neck.

Plastic surgeons certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery are generally referred to as "general plastic surgeons." In a recent survey by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average general plastic surgeon's practice involved less than 15% of their work in the facial area. The majority of the general plastic surgeon's work involved breast and body contouring procedures.

Richard W. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S., are board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This board deals exclusively with facial and neck, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Drs. Maloney and Agarwal are also certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. This board recognizes medical and surgical experience of the head and neck region exclusively.

The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can be reached at (703) 594-3223 or you may visit their web site at www.abfprs.org.

Is the facial plastic surgeon a specialist in the procedure you are contemplating?
While certification in many organizations assures you of a certain experience level, it does not reflect the surgeons capabilities in all areas of plastic surgery. Dr. Maloney and Dr. Agarwal specialize only in facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgery of the face and neck.

Choose a facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeon who specializes in the procedures you are interested having performed - Experience really does matter!. The physician who performs exceptional breast reconstructive surgery may not be your best choice for a facelift.

Do you and the facial plastic surgeon agree on what constitutes an cosmetically pleasing appearance?
This is a subjective question. At The Aesthetic Surgery Center, you will consult with the team who is responsible for your treatment and care - Dr. Maloney or Dr. Agarwal, the counselor and the surgical nurse. Good communication between the patient and the surgical team is essential for good results. The Center's imaging computer enhances the communication, allowing the patient to better envision changes. Both patient and doctor can objectively review the image on the computer screen and discuss what is most pleasing and realistic.

Have you and the facial plastic surgeon developed a rapport?
Because you will be placing your health and appearance in the hands of your physician, it is essential that you trust and have confidence in his abilities. Consider, too, whether he welcomes your questions. Has he explained to you, in terms you understand, what approach he will be taking and the rationale for his decision? Has he carefully described what you can expect immediately following surgery? Have the risks associated with the surgery been fully explained to you? A doctor who guarantees results or denies the possibility of complications is cause for concern.