Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty encompassing both cosmetic and reconstructive care. Plastic surgeons treat conditions involving the face, breast, body, hands, skin, and extremities. Their work may improve appearance, restore function, repair injuries, or address conditions caused by birth differences, illness, cancer, or previous surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is generally performed to enhance or reshape a person’s appearance. Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore form or function affected by trauma, cancer, burns, congenital conditions, disease, or other medical circumstances.

The two areas frequently overlap. Plastic surgeons apply both reconstructive and aesthetic principles when developing individualized treatment plans.

The CSPS Find a Plastic Surgeon directory helps patients locate member surgeons throughout California by name, location, and area of practice. After identifying potential surgeons, review their qualifications, verify their credentials, and schedule a consultation to determine whether they are right for your needs.

Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery confirms that a surgeon has completed specialized surgical training and passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Board certification is not a guarantee of a particular result, but it provides an independently verifiable measure of a surgeon’s education and preparation.

Confirm certification directly through the American Board of Plastic Surgery rather than relying solely on a practice website or advertisement. You should also check the physician’s California license and any publicly available disciplinary information through the Medical Board of California. All CSPS members are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Not necessarily. Physicians from different medical backgrounds may use the term “cosmetic surgeon.” A physician may also be board certified in a specialty other than plastic surgery.

Ask for the complete name of the surgeon’s certifying board. For comprehensive plastic surgery, look specifically for current certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

• How frequently do you perform this procedure?

• Am I an appropriate candidate?

• What alternatives should I consider?

• What results are realistic for me?

• What are the potential risks and complications?

• Where will the procedure be performed?

• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?

• Who will provide my anesthesia?

• What should I expect during recovery?

• How are complications or concerns handled after surgery?

A qualified surgeon should welcome your questions and give you enough time to make an informed decision.

Ask whether the procedure will be performed in a hospital, state-licensed facility, Medicare-certified facility, or surgical center accredited by a recognized organization.

Appropriately accredited or licensed facilities must meet standards involving equipment, personnel, operating-room safety, emergency procedures, and surgeon credentials. Your surgeon should clearly explain where the procedure will take place and who will be responsible for your care.

No surgical or medical procedure is without risk. Possible complications vary based on the procedure, anesthesia, your health, and other individual factors.

Choosing a properly trained surgeon, using an appropriately accredited or licensed facility, sharing your complete medical history, and following preoperative and postoperative instructions are important parts of making care safer. Your surgeon should discuss the risks specific to your procedure before you consent.

Coverage depends on the procedure, its medical purpose, and your individual health plan. Medically necessary reconstructive procedures may qualify for coverage, while procedures performed solely for cosmetic reasons are generally not covered.

Contact your insurer before treatment and ask your surgeon’s office whether prior authorization or supporting documentation is required. Do not assume that a procedure is covered until you receive confirmation from your health plan.

Request a written estimate explaining what is and is not included. Costs may involve:

• Surgeon’s fees

• Anesthesia

• Hospital or surgical-facility charges

• Medical testing

• Implants, garments, or supplies

• Prescriptions

• Follow-up appointments

• Potential revision procedures

Price is important, but it should not take priority over a surgeon’s training, experience, facility standards, and your confidence in the care team.

Recovery varies significantly by procedure and patient. Before surgery, ask for written instructions covering activity restrictions, wound care, medications, follow-up visits, time away from work, and when you may resume exercise or other daily activities.

Arrange transportation and assistance at home when recommended. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely and contact the practice if you have questions or if your recovery differs from what was discussed.

For a non-emergency concern, contact your surgeon or the covering medical professional promptly. Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment if you believe something may be wrong.

For a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency care. Concerns involving a California physician’s license or professional conduct may be submitted to the Medical Board of California.