In today's world, a person seeking cosmetic services or surgery faces many choices. Since every patient wants to have the best outcome possible, the decision making process is critical. Let's take improvement of the facial appearance as an example. Many options exist for facial rejuvenation such as topical creams (Retin-A, Tazerac) to office-based injectables (Restylane, Botox) to dermabrasion to actual surgery.

By far the most important decision a person will make is who to trust to perform such an important service. Firstly, it is crucial that the person making the decisions for your treatment is satisfactorily trained and credentialed to do so. In today's marketplace, patients must do their homework and know what credentials are needed and what credentials the potential provider possesses.

The standard by which all credentials should be measured is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification requires:

• A 4 year college degree
• A 4 year doctorate degree
• 5 years of training in plastic surgery
• Separate written and oral examinations
• Yearly continuing medical education programs

Board certification is a pathway that is very difficult, challenging and requires a high level of motivation and determination. All techniques provided in the realm of facial cosmetic services from creams to injectables to surgery are studied to the greatest degree at the scientific level by scientists and doctors. The standards by which all results are measured are set at the highest levels by plastic surgeons.

If you check the credentials of someone providing cosmetic services and they do not have American Board of Plastic Surgery Board Certification, you may find that short cuts were taken in the training process. Since you have a choice, why not choose a doctor who elected to take the most amount of training before treating patients? The privilege of providing cosmetic services should be properly earned and maintained. A plastic surgeon is your best option for your cosmetic procedure needs. With a board certified plastic surgeon you can be confident that you are seeing the person most capable of attending to these important services.