How to Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a doctor is an important decision. Ultimately, you have a choice to make among many options. This section is intended to provide guidance as to where to start and how to make an informed decision.

Facial treatments are offered by a variety of individuals and businesses, each of which can offer varying degrees of safety, experience and expertise. Many states do not require that treatments or procedures be administered by a physician. In some states, including California, a physician need not even be present during procedures performed under that physician's supervision. At our practice, all procedures are personally performed by Dr. Pearson.

Is the provider a physician?
For any invasive procedure, the minimum requirement that should be sought is a license to practice medicine in the state of California. While this may be presumed, it is not assured. If there is any question, ask.

• If the provider is not a physician, what type of formal training has that he or she undergone?
• Is there a physician supervising the provider and is that physician on site during all procedures?

Is the doctor board-certified in his or her field?
Board certification demonstrates that a doctor has met the high standards set by the national certifying board within their specialty. Criteria required for board certification include appropriate training, passage of certifying examinations to demonstrate competence and proficiency, active licensing, demonstrated experience, a record of safety, and continuous education and training.

Dr. Pearson is among a select group of surgeons who are double board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery).

If the doctor is board-certified, then which board has issued the certification?
This is important because a doctor may be "board-certified" in a general medical field, which does not require training or competence in aesthetic or facial treatments, invasive procedures or surgery. Both of Dr. Pearson's certifying boards require appropriate training, proficiency, and demonstrated experience in invasive facial procedures and surgery.

After credentials have been established, consider intangible qualities such as:

• Do you feel comfortable with the surgeon you have chosen?
• Is the surgeon candid, professional and easy to converse with?
• Did the surgeon take the time to get to know you, and your particular preferences and goals?
• Does the doctor provide you with treatment options and explain the relative benefits and drawbacks of each option?
• Does the doctor demonstrate artistic sensibilities, with an eye for form, proportion, beauty, and a natural look

Additional considerations:

• Check Licensing: Check with the state medical board in your state to ensure the doctor is licensed. In California, you may check online here
• Find a Doctor who Specializes: Does the surgeon specialize in facial surgery? If not, does the surgeon perform a large number of facial procedures as part of his or her practice?
• Check Board Certification: Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at www.abfprs.org.
• Check Malpractice History: many internet resources are available.
• Patient Resources: Are there patients of the doctor's who you can speak with about their experiences?
• Before and After photos: Are you able to view before and after photos of the surgeon's work?
• Don't focus on advertising: Effective advertising does not compensate for deficiencies in any of the above areas. You must still consider all of the items listed above and formulate your own judgment.

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