For most of us, it's self-evident that our physical appearance affects our lives. Looking good, after all, often means feeling good as well. State-of-the-art cosmetic surgery can restore a natural self-confident, radiant image.

1. Be aware of all of your surgical and non-surgical options. Research the procedures before you see a doctor. The internet has hundreds of sites that can give you the details of every procedure -- just remember, some of these are wonderful and others are full of misinformation.

This investigation may take some time, but it is well worth it. The more prepared you are the better. There is a vast amount of information available on the web as well as free pamphlets from doctor's offices.

2. Don't be afraid to ask around. Ask at your salon or gym, ask nurses, search online -- ask your friends -- you will be surprised how many have had a cosmetic procedure or know someone who has had one (or more).

3. Compile a list of doctors and begin checking out their qualifications, especially be sure that they are currently board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The front office staff reflects on the doctor's attitude towards your care.

If you call a doctor's office they should take the time to adequately and completely answer your concerns -- but also understand that they can only answer those concerns that can be addressed without examining you.

4. A doctor's office that fails to listen to your concerns or fails to bring the risks and complications of your chosen procedure to your attention is not the best choice. Know the risks!

5. Ask your own personal doctor which surgeon he or she would send a family member to for cosmetic surgery, or who they would select for their own procedure. Ask them about the work that they have seen and what they think of it.

6. You may find it helpful to speak to others who have undergone the same procedure you are interested in. Check discussion forums, chat rooms and internet sites. After the consultation, speak with the references the doctor provided -- Ask for references after your consultation.

7. Be sure to call several offices, and if you decide to pursue a consultation, see more than one doctor. We encourage our patients to get several opinions -- we know from experience that you will be back to choose us.

8. Make a list of all of your questions and concerns -- these should be addressed in detail during your consultation. Our patients are usually amazed that every question on their list is answered during our education session -- without them even having to ask!

9. Ask to see pre- and post-operative photographs of patients the doctor has actually operated on -- not some generic brochure or photographs. You should be able to view many examples of each procedure -- not just one or two. Be sure you are seeing the actual work of that surgeon.

10. Find out where the doctor had all of his or her training. All other factors being equal, training at a world-renowned institution is something you should look for.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

- Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon.

- Bring a list of medications you take for reference and your Medical History Form filled out. Have the Doctor's office fax/send/e-mail you a copy -- this will give you more time to ask questions instead of filling out paperwork.