Welcome to the 21st century where, thanks to modern increased tech, patients can have just about any cosmetic procedure done the way they want, with very little inconvenience. And with people's disposable income growing, more and more elective procedures are being done these days, especially to help people stay young. Thanks to cosmetic operations, paients can look young, and thanks to procedures such as LASIK, people can function "young" (i.e., keep their youthful vision). Many of these surgerys offer a fast, outpatient surgery and a quick recovery that normally lasts no more than a few days. What's more, even though some of these surgeries are invasive, polls show that many adults are much more willing to undergo an invasive operation.

So who performs most cosmetic surgerys? Whether you're considering LASIK, PRK or IntraLase, or some other cosmetic procedure, it's wise to work with someone who is recognized as competent in his field. Some studies show that most patients have a strong desire to have their procedure done by a skilled doctor with advanced experience and training in the field they work in. A small minority of patients have their cosmetic procedure done by a general medical doctor, however the vast majority are done by doctors. Furthermore, there is an increasing number of technicians who are now doing complex procedures.

A technician? Is this safe? it depends. There are some operations that are fairly simple with a low risk factor. With these procedures, it's probably safe for the patient to be treated by a technician. But in the event of an surgical procedure such as LASIK, you should only rely on an experienced, competent professional in this field. He should be a doctor and she should be up-to-date on all the latest procedures and technology. Preferably, you should look for somebody who has done at lest 500 similar procedures during the past year.

In looking at a doctor's credentials, there are several questions you should ask. First, ask candidly if he or she has any valid or previous malpractice suits against him. Also, ask what area they consider their specialties. If anything sends up a red flag in your mind, you should look somewhere else for your surgery. It's important that you follow the facts and also follow your gut. This is important for both your health and your appearance.

The chances of you running into issues are largely related to the skill level of the doctor you get to do the procedure. If the doctor you select has done hundreds of LASIK operations successfully, you have a much increased chance of having success with your own LASIK procedure. Conversely, if you go with an MD with poor experience in the field, simply to save your money, you run a greater risk of experiencing some issues following the procedure.

Remember: This is not a field where you should bargain hunt. In the area of elective surgery, you almost always get what you pay for. So look first at the doctor's credentials. Then if the procedure seems too expensive, talk bout what funding options are available to you.