Knowing how to choose a cosmetic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make on your aesthetic journey. Whether you are considering a tummy tuck in Portland, breast augmentation, a facelift, or another procedure, the surgeon you select will directly shape your safety, your experience, and your results. This guide is written for patients in the early research phase who want straightforward, honest information about what credentials, questions, and standards actually matter. If you are ready to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Portland region, call us today for a consultation.
Ready to start the conversation? Contact Dr. Michael Bohley’s practice to schedule your personal consultation.
Understanding Board Certification and Why It Matters When Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon
The single most important credential to verify when researching how to choose a cosmetic surgeon is board certification, specifically certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery, and achieving this certification requires years of accredited residency training, rigorous written and oral examinations, and an ongoing commitment to continuing education.
It is worth noting that the term “cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected title in the United States. Physicians from a wide range of specialties may use this label without holding ABPS certification. When you compare providers, always ask specifically whether the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Double Board Certification: An Added Layer of Qualification
Some surgeons hold certification from more than one board. Dr. Michael Bohley, for example, is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, making him double board-certified. The American Board of Surgery credential reflects foundational surgical training that extends beyond cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, signaling a broader depth of clinical competency.
Professional Society Membership as a Quality Signal
Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires active ABPS certification and completion of 150 hours of continuing medical education every three years. When you see ASPS membership listed, it is not honorary; it reflects an ongoing standard of practice. Dr. Bohley is also a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Oregon Medical Association, and the Multnomah County Medical Society, reflecting both national credentials and deep roots in the Portland community.
How to Evaluate Experience, Specialization, and Surgical Facility Safety
Credentials confirm a surgeon’s training. Experience and specialization confirm how they apply it. When evaluating how to choose a cosmetic surgeon for a specific procedure, ask whether that procedure represents a meaningful portion of the surgeon’s practice. Surgeons who perform a high volume of a particular operation develop refined technique and pattern recognition that generalists may not achieve. Dr. Bohley has developed a particular focus in body procedures, and he has become well known for performing tummy tucks, body lifts, and mommy makeovers in Portland.
Reviewing Before-and-After Results
A surgeon’s patient gallery offers valuable insight into aesthetic sensibility and the consistency of outcomes. Look for results on patients whose anatomy is similar to yours, and pay attention to whether the results appear natural and proportionate. Individual results vary, and no gallery can guarantee your specific outcome, but patterns across many patients are informative.
Surgical Facility Accreditation and Anesthesia Standards
Where your procedure is performed matters as much as who performs it. Accredited surgical facilities must meet strict safety, staffing, and equipment standards. Dr. Bohley’s practice is associated with a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery facility. Equally important, a board-certified anesthesiologist administers all general anesthetics at their facility. This is a meaningful safety distinction; many lower-tier practices rely on less credentialed anesthesia providers. Asking about anesthesia qualifications before surgery is a reasonable and important step in your evaluation.
Questions to Ask During Your Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
A thorough consultation is where research becomes a real conversation. Knowing how to choose a cosmetic surgeon means knowing which questions to bring into that room. Below are the areas that matter most.
Questions About Training and Credentials
Ask the surgeon directly: Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Where did you complete your residency? Do you hold any additional board certifications? Dr. Bohley completed his surgical training at The Ohio State University, the Medical College of Ohio, and the Emanuel-Kaiser Surgical Residency Program in Portland, combining nationally recognized academic rigor with regionally embedded clinical experience.
Questions About Your Specific Procedure
Ask how many times the surgeon has performed your procedure, what complications are possible, and what the realistic recovery timeline looks like. Transparent surgeons welcome these questions. Dr. Bohley’s practice emphasizes honest education about both benefits and risks, because patients who understand their procedure make better decisions and tend to have more satisfying experiences. Explore detailed procedure information on topics like breast augmentation in Portland or facelift surgery to begin building your own knowledge base before your consultation.
Questions About Ongoing Education
Plastic surgery techniques and technologies evolve continuously. Ask whether the surgeon regularly attends continuing medical education courses. Dr. Bohley completes 150 hours of additional medical education every three years to maintain his ASPS membership and clinical certifications. He is also recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026, a third-party recognition reflecting a high level of experience with advanced aesthetic treatments.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Bohley in the Portland Region?
Patients across Portland, Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, Hood River, and The Dalles trust Dr. Bohley because his qualifications, facility standards, and approach to patient care reflect the standards this guide describes. He is double board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He trained at leading institutions and has practiced in the Pacific Northwest for decades. Every procedure is performed at a state-certified, accredited surgical facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist on site.
Dr. Bohley develops highly individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique goals. The practice is not built around volume or trends; it is built around honest communication, refined surgical technique, and realistic expectations. Read more about his background and philosophy on the about Dr. Michael Bohley page, or explore patient testimonials from those he has served throughout the region. When you are ready to take the next step, the team is here to help you navigate your options with clarity and care.
Schedule your consultation today and speak directly with Dr. Bohley about your goals, your questions, and your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon
What is the difference between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
The title “cosmetic surgeon” is not regulated, meaning physicians from various specialties may use it without plastic surgery training. A board-certified plastic surgeon holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires accredited residency training and rigorous examinations. When learning how to choose a cosmetic surgeon, verifying ABPS certification is the most critical first step. Dr. Bohley holds both ABPS and American Board of Surgery certifications.
How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon?
There is no fixed number, but consulting with at least one fully board-certified plastic surgeon before making any decision is strongly recommended. Consultations allow you to assess how the surgeon listens, explains risks, and approaches your individual anatomy. If you leave a consultation feeling rushed or without clear answers to your questions, it may be worth seeking a second opinion before moving forward.
Is it safe to have plastic surgery at an outpatient facility rather than a hospital?
Accredited outpatient surgical facilities can meet rigorous safety standards comparable to hospital operating rooms. The key is accreditation and staffing. Dr. Bohley’s practice operates from a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery facility where a board-certified anesthesiologist administers all general anesthetics. Asking about facility accreditation and anesthesia qualifications before scheduling surgery is an entirely appropriate part of the decision process.
What should I look for in a surgeon’s before-and-after photo gallery?
Look for consistency across many patients, not just one or two standout results. Pay attention to whether results appear natural and proportionate to the patient’s body. Results should reflect the kind of outcome you are hoping for, not an extreme transformation. Individual results may vary, and a thoughtful surgeon will set realistic expectations during consultation rather than promise any specific outcome.
How do I know if a surgeon’s training is current?
Ask about continuing medical education requirements and how often the surgeon attends courses or conferences. ASPS membership requires 150 hours of continuing education every three years. Dr. Bohley fulfills this requirement and regularly attends educational courses to maintain his certifications. His 2026 Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member status further reflects an active, high-volume practice engaged with current techniques and products.
Take the Next Step Toward a Confident Decision
Understanding how to choose a cosmetic surgeon in the Portland region starts with knowing what credentials, standards, and questions actually matter. Dr. Michael Bohley’s double board-certified practice is built on transparency, individualized care, and a commitment to results that are both natural and realistic. Contact us to schedule your personal consultation and get the honest answers you deserve.
Dr. Michael Bohley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon recognized as one of Portland’s leading experts in body, breast, and facial cosmetic procedures. With years of advanced training and a distinguished surgical career, he combines refined aesthetic judgment with meticulous technique to deliver consistently exceptional results. Renowned for his skill in tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, and mommy makeovers, Dr. Bohley develops highly individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique goals. He is also recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026, reflecting his high level of experience and commitment to providing advanced aesthetic treatments. His dedication to patient education, safety, and precision has earned him membership in numerous prestigious professional organizations and the trust of patients throughout the greater Portland area.
