Home






 


Susan Stevens reports:

Say you're in the market for a face-lift, a tummy tuck or even just a few injections to fill out those "smile lines." Which doc would you choose? A. A board-certified plastic surgeon who practices at your local hospital. B. A high-profile cosmetic surgeon who has written books on plastic surgery and has appeared as an expert on "Oprah." C. The obstetrician whom you trusted to deliver your three children and has now opened a medical spa. If you're not sure, it's not entirely your fault. Thanks to reality television shows, the public knows more about their cosmetic options than ever. But choosing the right doctor hasn't gotten any easier.

The cash-paying clientele of cosmetic surgery is an attractive market for physicians, luring more MDs -- with varying qualifications -- into the field. A fancy medical school, a few acronyms, a couple TV spots can make any doctor sound expert. And the media aren't helping break through the confusion.