Plastic surgery is chosen for different reasons, from wanting to improve appearance to reconstruction after injuries or disease. The choice of a plastic surgeon can be intimidating, especially if you aren’t quite sure how to go about it. If you’ve got a recommendation from your regular doctor, that’s a great place to start, but you will still want to look at the following tips to help you decide which surgeon is right for you.

Tip Number 1: Always choose a surgeon who is board certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Find out about any other affiliations, such as membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These credentials assure you that a surgeon has the educational background and experience that you’re looking for. Choose a surgeon with lots of experience in the type of surgery you are considering, and look at feedback from previous patients.

Tip Number 2: Ask questions during the consultation. Ask about any risks of the procedure, whether you are a good candidate, and other relevant questions, such as availability of payment plans and what to expect in recovery. Another good question is whether or not you will be able to reach the doctor in the event of an emergency.

Look for a physician who answers your questions patiently, completely, and in simple language. He or she should ask you questions in turn about your expectations and will seek to ease any concerns. Risk shouldn’t be downplayed or waved aside.

You should never get the impression that a surgeon is trying to pressure you into anything. The final choice is always yours. If at any time you feel that a particular surgeon isn’t right for you, then don’t have any qualms about walking away.

Tip Number 3: Have a trusted friend or family member accompany you to the consultation. You’ll appreciate the emotional support, and a second set of ears means that you don’t have to depend on your own memory (even if you are taking notes, which you should do as well) about what was said. Your associate can also remind you to ask any questions that you might have forgotten about.

Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. Trusting your body to someone is a vulnerable position, and you need to feel confident that the results will be what you wanted, with minimal risk and adequate after-care and post-surgical support. Take charge of the situation by knowing what to look for.