As more and more Americans choose to have plastic surgery, the need to check doctors' medical credentials becomes paramount. In fact, one of the most important steps an individual can take in preparation for surgery is to carefully research and select the right plastic surgeon.

"Cosmetic surgeons are not the same as board-certified plastic surgeons who must study in medical school," said ABC-TV's 20/20 anchor Diane Sawyer in a November 3 broadcast. "Some (non-board-certified) doctors pick up surgery techniques at a few weekend workshops and start practicing."

"Patients should make sure their surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery," said C. Lin Puckett, MD, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "To be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a physician must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations on the entire field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This is one more protective step for the patient and, according to a recent issue of Newsweek magazine 'the gold standard in plastic surgery.' "

"Determining if your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is another appropriate step in your selection process," said Dr. Puckett. "All ASPS members are certified by ABPS and are uniquely qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures."

By choosing an ASPS member plastic surgeon, patients are assured that the physician has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency, usually three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery.

"While good credentials can't guarantee you a successful outcome, they can significantly increase the odds," said Dr. Puckett.

In fact, according to a November, 1998 report by ABC News Medical Editor Timothy Johnson, MD, "The safest way to avoid problems is to insist that your surgeon is really fully trained and credentialed in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are the ones who spend their time, their full residency, in learning how to do these procedures."

Some other questions potential patients should ask before deciding on a plastic surgeon include:

• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?
• At which hospitals?

  Even if your surgery will be performed in the doctor's own surgical facility, he or she should have privileges to perform that procedure at an accredited hospital in your community. It means the surgeon is subject to approval by a body of his or her peers. Call the hospital to make sure.

• Where will you perform my surgery?
• What are the risks involved with my procedure?
• How many procedures of this type have you performed?
• Can I contact some of your former patients who have had this procedure?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect?
• Will I be required to take time off work?
• For how long?

  "Finally, remember that plastic surgery is surgery," said Dr. Puckett, "and as with all surgery, there are inherent risks. By doing your homework first, however, those risks are reduced."

  In addition to research a patient does prior to surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons believes that patients have inherent rights, as well. Those rights are highlighted in the "Plastic Surgery Statement of Patients' Rights" released this month.

STATEMENT OF PATIENTS' RIGHTS

All patients undergoing surgery in a hospital, a free-standing ambulatory facility or an office-based surgical facility shall be:

• Treated with the utmost consideration and respect for their safety, comfort and privacy.
• Provided with accurate information during personal consultation and in any educational or advertising materials concerning the:

-- Specialty training of their surgeon, including whether the physician is certified by or eligible for certification by a surgical board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.

-- Risks and potential complications associated with surgery.

-- Benefits and realistic surgical outcome anticipated.

-- Appropriate surgical approach to the condition for which they are seeking treatment.

• Assured that their surgery will be performed within a facility that is appropriately staffed and accredited by or in the application process for accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, such as the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the American Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
• Assured that their surgery and initial recovery process will be fully monitored by appropriately licensed physicians and staff.
• Discharged from the surgical facility when their condition is stable and it is safe to go home.
• Provided with appropriate medical follow-up care throughout their recovery period.

ASPS represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ASPS). ASPS members also include physicians certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Consumers may call the Plastic Surgery Information Service at 1-800-635-0635 or access the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org, to find a plastic surgeons in their area.