Sure, it’s probably best to celebrate all your flaws and embrace yourself as you are, but for those who are dead-set on making a change to their appearance, there is nothing more permanent than cosmetic surgery. And as frequently as it’s done these days, there are still life-threatening risks involved in any process during which you’re under anesthesia, being cut open and either having something removed or put into your body. So it pays to shop around for the best person to do the job and the best facility in which to have it done. When considering cosmetic surgery, bargain-hunting isn’t the best way to go about the process. While cost may be a factor, it shouldn’t be the deciding one. There are several aspects to consider and question during your consultation. First, who will do the surgery and who will be present?

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board that is recognized to certify in all areas of plastic surgery; your surgeon should be board-certified. And the stamp of approval from the largest plastic surgery society in the world, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a good sign of a surgeon’s expertise, too. Know how many times the doctor has done your particular procedure – you don’t want to be a guinea pig! References from former patients who have had the same surgery are good, too, and if your doctor doesn’t want to give up names, it’s a red flag. Ask about support staff – anesthesiologists, nurses and other personnel should assist the doctor during the surgery. Ask where the surgery will be performed – usually, it’s either in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. It should never be performed in an exam room in the office, unless your surgeon operates an outpatient surgery center in his office. And most important, inquire about risks. Good plastic surgeons will let you know what they are without sugarcoating them, including potential reactions and post-operative pain. No surgery is without risks, so ask before going under the knife.