Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) - How to Find &
Choose a Surgeon

According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS) statistics, more than 114,279 face lifts were performed in 2004, making it a common plastic surgery. However, a face lift is an invasive procedure performed under local or general anesthesia and carries the risk of post-surgery complications.

Needless to say, you will want to find a plastic surgeon with solid medical training, considerable surgical skill and extensive plastic surgery experience to increase the chances of a successful outcome from face lift surgery. It is preferable that the doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Learn more about the specific characteristics which give you credible information for finding a face lift surgeon you can trust.

Why Should You Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon?

It is recommended that you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon because certification demonstrates that the doctor successfully completed an approved educational program. Furthermore the doctor met board certification requirements, including an examination to determine his or her ability to provide quality medical care.

In order to understand how to choose a face lift surgeon, read the article "What It Means to Be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon."

Do All Types of Board Certification Testify to the Same Level of Expertise?

Surgeons with the highest level of training include the plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO). Facial plastic surgeons can also be board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Learn what what it takes to get certified by ABPS, ABO and ABFPRS.

Unfortunately, board certification does not always guarantee a successful outcome for a face lift because the surgeon's skill depends on other factors such as training, frequency and complexity of surgeries, use of the latest technologies, and more.

What If Your Surgeon Is Not Certified by ABPS, ABO or ABFPRS?

In this case, your doctor may be qualified to perform rhytidectomy. Get more information on what other board certifications entail and how they differ from the certification by ABPS, ABO and ABFPRS. Learn how to identify a facial plastic surgeon [pdf / 91KB].

Is Your Doctor a Member of a Plastic Surgery Association or Society?

Learn the difference between board certification and membership in a plastic surgery association or society. You can also read a chapter on how to choose a plastic surgeon in the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.

Can You Verify Whether a Plastic Surgeon Is Board-Certified?

To verify your plastic surgeon's board certification, use the American Board Specialties certification verification tool. You will need to register for the free service. (The Board does not require to submit any additional information other than your first name and e-mail address.)

What Are the Surgeon's Operating Facility Requirements?

The facility where the surgery is performed must meet certain quality standards and be accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). You can become acquainted with these standards and verify that an office or facility is accredited by the AAAASF by visiting the Surgery Facilities Web page.

Plastic Surgeons For Other Procedures

Are you looking for a plastic surgeon for a different procedure? Check out other credible sites about abdominoplasty surgeons, breast surgeons, liposuction surgeons, and rhinoplasty surgeons.

Need More Information?