The popularity of plastic surgery is soaring and more and more doctors are trying to meet the demand for this specialty that has become an integral part of mainstream medicine. Plastic surgery is about a lot more than vanity. Plastic surgery can help people get their lives back and help them feel more comfortable with themselves.

Plastic surgery can also slow the aging process and improve the visible signs of aging. Monarch's board-certified surgeons are trained in cosmetic procedures of the face and all areas of the body to help you look naturally younger.

1. Do Your Homework
Research the treatment or procedure, the benefits and the risks. Find more about procedures at plasticsurgery.org. Talk to patients who have had your procedure so you know what to expect.

2. Have Realistic Expectations
Ask your plastic surgeon about the benefits and risks of your surgery. Discuss your expectations and understand the side effects and recovery time.

3. Ask Tough Questions
Consult with your plastic surgeon and discuss your full medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment. Feel confident asking about your doctor's credentials, experience, outcomes or safety record. It is your body, your safety and your life.

  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
  • What will be expected of me to get optimal results?
  • What are the risks involved with my procedure?
  • How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
  • Will I need to take time off work? If so, how long?

4. Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon
Why? Board-certified surgeons are trained, properly certified, and are admitted as members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. They adhere to a strict code of ethics, receive continuous education and operate only in accredited facilities. Unlike other specialty organizations, ASPS requires each member surgeon to have a minimum of five years of surgical training, with at least two of those years specifically in plastic surgery. Standards that have to be met for a surgeon to be a member of the ASPS can be found here.

Information provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons®.

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