If you're sure you want to go forward with plastic surgery, you must look further than the yellow pages. Dr. Jay Calvert urges you to keep these tips in mind when researching a plastic surgeon.

Ask for Referrals: Talk to your primary care doctor, family and friends -- or patients you know who have had good plastic surgery experiences. The best referrals come from trusted sources.

Check Board Certification: Check the doctor's status of board certification in the field of plastic surgery at the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Check for Society Memberships: Find out if your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A plastic surgeon cannot be a member of this society unless he or she is board certified.

Check for State Licensing: Check with the state board of medicine to see if your physician is licensed in the state where you are planning your operation.

Check for Hospital Privileges: Find out if your surgeon has privileges to perform your operation at the local hospital. If they do, it means that the hospital's medical staffing board believes the surgeon is properly trained and credentialed to perform your operation.

Watch Out for Malpractice History: Malpractice suits can be checked through a number of avenues, but may require that you make a trip to the county courthouse to check your doctor. Internet resources are robust in most states.

Check for Training: Verify credentials and training.

Find a Doctor who Specializes in Your Procedure: Most plastic surgeons have several operations that are their favorite and that they are known for, meaning they consistently generate excellent results.

Make Sure a Doctor Has Malpractice Coverage: Verify malpractice insurance coverage. It is important to know if your surgeon has made a commitment to his patients by carrying some type of malpractice insurance.

Ask About Continuing Medical Education: It is useful to know if your surgeon attends local and national meetings to keep up on the latest technology. A commitment to such education is a sign that your surgeon has not kicked back into relaxation mode.

Don't Concentrate on Advertising: Advertising has become quite common for plastic surgeons, dermatologists, facial plastic surgeons and anti-aging physicians of all types. The market is competitive, and advertising is a way to spread the word. However, a large amount of advertising does not necessarily mean anything. You must still look at all of the items listed above and make your own judgment.

For more info, check out Dr. Calvert's website, jaycalvertmd.com.