Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. I've been thinking of having plastic surgery, but I'm not sure what kind of doctor I should go to. Can you make some recommendations to help me?

A. I believe that one of the most important criteria in choosing your surgeon, is to select someone you feel comfortable with, someone you communicate well with, someone who instills a feeling of trust in you. Beyond that, I feel that the most important thing is that you choose a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery; this board is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and all state medical boards. This means that the surgeon graduated from an accredited medical school, completed a three year residency in an affiliated hospital in general surgery, and then a minimum of an additional two year residency in plastic surgery. The physician is then "board eligible". He/she cannot be "certified" until they have practiced plastic surgery for two years, and they then must pass two comprehensive exams, oral and written, including a review of actual cases performed. To research a plastic surgeon's credentials, we suggest you call The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) at 1-800-635-0635.

When you come in for a consultation in my office, you'll meet with both myself and my Patient Counselor, Mary Ann Lemler. Your decision to have surgery, or not, should be based upon weighing the potential benefits to the potential risk; we'll spend all the time necessary to assure you are fully-informed and educated to make the decision that is right for you. We'll show you "before & after" photos of actual patients, send you home with literature to read, and even make arrangements for you to talk with our patients who've had the same surgery so that they can tell you about their experience and results.

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