In a recent phenomenon, the number of medical practitioners who have incorporated cosmetic surgery into their practice has spiraled upward at an increasingly amazing rate. In record numbers, OB-GYN's and general practitioners are adding cosmetic procedures to their ever-growing list of patient care services.

Traditionally inundated with the red tape and difficulties of dealing with insurance companies and filing claims on their patients' behalf, medical practitioners are turning to the cash producing cosmetic procedures. They are generally not abandoning their core practice, only adding to the menu of medical services provided.

Since most health insurance policies do not cover aesthetic procedures, patients must pay up front for any medically unnecessary work. Thus, the physician can charge higher fees and gets paid immediately with no complications from the insurance company. Certainly, these are obvious benefits to a doctor expanding his/her core practice to include cosmetics.

General practitioners are required to take a class on the cosmetic procedure of choice before using it on patients. It is alarming that after the completion of a five hour training course in Botox, the general practitioner is deemed qualified to start working on patients immediately without having demonstrated adequate proficiency with the procedure.

In clear contrast, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon must perform extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body to be certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is one sub-specialty of the American Board of Medical Specialists for which doctors must meet strict and extensive educational and exam criteria to be a board certified plastic surgeon. It is the first thing you should look for when considering a surgeon.

In recent years, OB/GYN doctors are regularly performing breast augmentation and tummy tucks, dermatologists performing liposuction, and ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctors performing extensive Rhinoplasty and facial surgeries. A clear delineation should be made that in many cases, these surgeons are board certified in their field of specialty ... not in plastic surgery.

Many physicians adding plastic surgery to their practice offerings volunteer that they are "board certified" in an effort to reassure patients. You should be aware that they probably are certified but likely only in their field. Always, check with the ABMS to see if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Call the ABMS toll free number or check with them online.

OB-GYN's performing liposuctions and Botox alongside PAP smears is somewhat disconcerting. Is the physician really making the patient's health and safety a top priority? Or is it their financial bottom lines that are the focus?

Board-certified plastic surgeons perform a variety of cosmetic procedures with regularity, and in doing so, they have gained the immense advantage of experience and familiarity. Certification is an invaluable tool to the consumer to judge the best provider for their surgeries.

Alongside board-certification, consumers should look for a plastic surgeon whose top priorities are health and safety, as well as natural looking beautiful surgical results. Patient testimonials, before and after pictures, and comfort level at a consultation are all indicators of a reputable and qualified physician.