Considering elective plastic surgery? Experts say research your options

LAYTON — If you take a drive down Interstate 15 through Utah, they are hard to miss: billboards promising dramatic transformations through plastic surgery. Elective plastic surgery isn't for everyone.  But if you're considering it, experts say there are several things to consider. [embed]http://media.ksl.com/plastic.mp4[/embed] First of all, not every doctor has the same training and expertise, as Sascha Ovard discovered as she began the hunt for a surgeon. Ovard said horror stories of botched surgeries from friends kept her on what seemed like a never ending search. "It was something that I had thought about for at least ten years after I had my last child," Ovard said. "I wanted to make sure I went to a surgeon that was reputable." Check the Surgeon's Credentials Dr. Eric Ashby is a board certified plastic surgeon and president of the Utah Plastic Surgery Society. "If there are any complaints, then they come to us," said Ashby. "Most of what we see is a misrepresentation of qualification." "We saw a lot of advertising, and people would say 'board certified cosmetic surgeon,' or 'plastic surgeon,' and it was misleading to the public," said Ashby. Several years ago, Ashby said he and other colleagues saw things getting so convoluted that they launched an advertising campaign aimed at educating consumers with billboards along I-15. The billboards asked questions like, "I didn't know my cosmetic surgeon wasn't a plastic surgeon," or "Who is performing your plastic surgery?" The campaign landed the group of plastic surgeons in court, but a judge ruled in their favor. Because of that, the law has changed. "It makes it illegal to state that you're 'board certified' without stating the board, and without the board being a recognized board, usually by the American Board of Medical Specialties," Ashby said. Don't Believe Every Plaque You See  You may have noticed official-looking framed certificates hanging in a surgeon's office. But consider the source. Ashby said several companies online will send you a certificate for the right price. "You send them a check and they'll put anything on a certificate," he said.As a test, he ordered one stating he'd been in practice since 1776 - making him a very long-lived surgeon. Instead, do your research through state licensing boards, like the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgeon There is a difference between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, and depending on what procedure you want to have done, knowing the difference will inform your choice. Plastic surgeons must train for an additional five to eight years following medical school. Specialty training for cosmetic surgeons is generally shorter: three to five years. The training for cosmetic surgeons is highly focused on six specific areas, including liposuction and breast augmentation, while plastic surgeons learn those areas plus other procedures including reconstruction. Most hospitals only allow board certified plastic surgeons to perform cosmetic procedures at their facilities. As a result, many cosmetic surgeons will operate out of their offices. "This is what you need to look for," Ashby said, pointing to a logo. "The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This shows they have done the training in an approved institution.  They've had board certified plastic surgeons not only teaching them, but observing them." For patient Sascha Ovard, the years of research, comparing photos, and looking up specific certifications was worth every second. She finally took the plunge last year, and is happy with her results. "I think the more we can share and educate each other, the better," she said. "It is something that is going to affect you for the rest of your life, whether good or bad."

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