It’s great if you’re happy with your looks as you age, but if you’ve ever considered a cosmetic procedure to look younger and more vital, you aren’t alone. Doing your research before you take that plunge will not only increase the likelihood that you’ll be happy with the final result but will also save you money, confusion and anguish.

Be realistic

If you’re 50 and expect a cosmetic procedure to make you look 25, get real. If you expect it to land you a boyfriend/girlfriend, you will be sorely disappointed. A realistic expectation would be to look like you — albeit more rested, fresher and perhaps, five to eight years younger. Ultimately, you should do it only for yourself and expect to look the best you can for the age you are.

Where to start

Ask around among your friends, family and co-workers. People are less embarrassed to discuss what they’ve had done than they used to be. I recommend getting at least two or three names and making an appointment for a consultation with each. Many cosmetic surgeons throughout the Carolinas offer free seminars at which they present examples of their work and discuss the many procedures available.

Check credentials

It is crucial that you check to see if the doctor is board certified in plastic surgery. Although a doctor may offer cosmetic surgery, he or she may not be board certified to perform those procedures. Board certification ensures that the doctor has gone through extensive training in the field and passed a difficult examination by a board of experts in the field. A physician who isn’t board certified may not have formal training in cosmetic surgery. After all, would you want a gynecologist, pediatrician or cardiologist to operate on your face? It’s also important to check that the doctor’s certification is current and recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (APBS). To check a surgeon’s certification status, contact the ABPS at 215-587-9322 or visit the board’s website at www.abplsurg.org. For dermatology, call the Society for Dermatologic Surgery at 800-441-2737.

Questions to ask

Begin writing your questions in advance. If not, you’ll be frantically trying to remember them in the waiting room. If your questions aren’t answered with empathy, understanding and professionalism — pay your bill and leave.

Let the doctor know what your concerns are. Is it droopy eyelids, forehead wrinkles, sun spots or a sagging jowl? Ask what the doctor would suggest to correct the issue. If your concern is droopy eyelids and the surgeon starts discussing a facelift, be cautious. Ask your questions and look for answers that make you feel comfortable. Not all cosmetic surgeons will have the same recommendations — and that’s okay.

Others questions to ask include: how often the doctor performs the procedure, what are the risks, what will it cost, and how much time will you have to spend recovering. Will you need someone to stay with you, and what are your pre- and post-operative responsibilities? Your research should give you a plethora of additional questions.

Dermatologist or plastic surgeon?

In general, dermatologists are trained to work on the skin. They usually perform procedures like laser resurfacing, peels and using the many fillers and injectables available today like Botox and collagen. Plastic surgeons usually perform facelifts, eyelid tucks and brow lifts. Over the years the differences have begun to blur: many dermatologists perform cosmetic surgery procedures and most plastic surgeons use injectables and lasers. Overall, I recommend a doctor who is specifically trained in the procedures you want.

What can go wrong?

It is irresponsible not to discuss the risks associated with any surgery, but it is especially important since cosmetic surgery is elective. If a physician tells you there are no risks, run. There are risks, but they are rare if your general health is good and you follow the doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions.

Find out what type of anesthesia will be used. General anesthesia carries more risks than local or twilight. Although rare, infection, scarring and loss of feeling are all possible. A good doctor will always discuss the risks.

Cosmetic surgery and dermatology offer a wide variety of possibilities to people who want to look better, more youthful and more energized. There are choices to make about what you want to enhance or minimize, how invasive a procedure you will be comfortable with, how long you can afford to miss work and how much you can spend.

Good luck with your nip/tuck!