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If it sounds too good to be true, It is.
Stay away from claims that sound impossible; ask to see the scientific papers supporting the claims. Ther is no such thing as a no-down time procedure, or scarless surgery, etc...

Plastic surgery can change your appearance, it probably won't change your life.
Make sure you do the procedure for yourself and not someone else.

Never make a hasty decision.
Do not allow the doctor or his staff push you into surgery. If you're grieving or facing another life crisis such as divorce, postpone decision on surgery.

Make sure you have realistic expectations.
Be wary if a doctor does not review possible complications and alternatives to the surgery with you.

Your doctor should always have time to discuss your concers and answer your questions. Period.

Ask to talk to patients who have had the same procedure recently.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor and the staff.
Complications such as infection and bleeding do happen, even in the best of hands. What sets an ordinary surgeon apart from a great one, is how these complications are treated and handled.

I recently spoke at a small internet based radio program called: letstalkrecovery.com. It was a fun experience and even after the show was over I was receiving calls on a variety of cosmetic procedures. I was also asked about scarless surgery.

My practice is in Los Angeles and I see a lot of advertisements for "Scarless Surgery". I have over 10 years of experience in Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and can tell you with great cetainty that any surgical procedure which involves cutting the skin will (not can but will) lead to a scar. I usually convey that to my patients during the first consultation.

As a skilled surgeon one can do a lot to prevent unsightly or noticable scars, or reduce their appearence once they have already occured. Here is how ...

Cosmetic surgery inherently involves some level of risk. On occasion, one can encounter rare symptoms such as bleeding, infection, or scars that just won't heal right--all symptoms that can complicate the recovery for months to come. When considering cosmetic surgery, it is important to factor in these unpleasant risks, so that you are equipped to handle them should they arise.

Last year I was asked to consult on a patient who had undergone a facelift procedure in Mexico. The immediate post-operative period had been uneventful, and she had returned to Los Angeles to recover. Four weeks after the surgery the scars in front of her right ear started to thicken. Over the next few months, these scars developed into unsightly and painful Keloids, which required several corrective treatments. . .