Knowing how to choose a plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps you will take before any cosmetic procedure. The surgeon you select will directly influence your safety, your experience, and your results. Whether you are considering a tummy tuck in Portland, breast augmentation, or a facelift, this guide is designed to help you ask the right questions, understand meaningful credentials, and feel confident in your decision.
If you would like to speak with a board-certified surgeon directly, please contact us for details.
Understanding Board Certification and What It Really Means
When researching how to choose a plastic surgeon, board certification is the single most important credential to verify. However, not all certifications carry equal weight, and the distinction matters significantly for your safety.
The gold standard is certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This credential requires surgeons to complete accredited training in plastic surgery, pass rigorous written and oral examinations, and demonstrate a commitment to patient safety. Some surgeons also hold additional certification from the American Board of Surgery (ABS), which speaks to their foundational surgical training beyond plastic surgery alone. A surgeon who holds both certifications is considered double board-certified, a distinction that reflects a higher bar of training and accountability.
Be cautious of practitioners who use the title “cosmetic surgeon” without holding ABPS certification. The term is not regulated in the same way, and it may not indicate the same depth of surgical training.
Professional Society Membership as a Secondary Indicator
Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires ABPS certification and completion of 150 hours of continuing medical education every three years. Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) focuses specifically on cosmetic procedures. When you see both memberships listed, it signals ongoing investment in education, ethics, and the specialty. You can review Dr. Bohley’s full credentials and professional background to understand what comprehensive board certification looks like in practice.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon Based on Training, Experience, and Specialty
Board certification confirms a baseline of training, but a surgeon’s specific experience and areas of focus matter just as much. A surgeon who has dedicated a significant portion of their practice to body procedures will typically bring a depth of technique and judgment to those cases that a generalist may not.
When evaluating a surgeon’s training, look for a combination of nationally recognized academic institutions and residency experience in a clinical environment. This mix of academic rigor and real-world surgical practice reflects a more complete preparation. It is also worth asking whether the surgeon regularly attends continuing education courses to stay current with evolving techniques.
Reviewing Before-and-After Results
Patient galleries are one of the most useful research tools available to you. They allow you to assess consistency of results, the natural quality of outcomes, and whether the surgeon’s aesthetic sensibility aligns with your own goals. When reviewing photos, look for results that appear harmonious and proportionate rather than overdone. Individual results may vary, but a well-curated gallery demonstrates range and transparency. You can explore the patient gallery to review examples of outcomes across multiple procedures.
The Consultation as a Diagnostic Tool
A thorough consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales presentation. Your surgeon should listen carefully to your goals, explain realistic expectations, discuss potential risks alongside benefits, and outline a plan that reflects your individual anatomy. In our practice, we find that patients who come in with specific questions leave their consultations feeling informed and respected rather than rushed. Reading patient testimonials can offer additional perspective on what the consultation experience may feel like at a given practice.
Safety Standards: Facility Accreditation and Anesthesia Oversight
The safety of your surgical environment deserves the same scrutiny as your surgeon’s credentials. Outpatient procedures should be performed in an accredited, state-certified ambulatory surgery facility, not a procedure room in a standard medical office. Accreditation signals that the facility meets established standards for equipment, staffing, emergency protocols, and sterilization practices.
Equally important is who administers your anesthesia. General anesthesia should be managed by a licensed, board-certified anesthesiologist. Some facilities use certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) instead, which represents a meaningful difference in medical oversight. Patients who are informed about this distinction consistently tell us it matters to them, particularly for longer or more complex procedures.
Financing and Planning for the Full Cost of Care
Understanding the full financial picture before scheduling surgery is part of making a thoughtful, informed decision. Reputable practices are transparent about what is included in a surgical fee and what may be billed separately. They also typically offer financing options to help patients plan responsibly. You can learn more about financing options available through the practice as part of your planning process.
Be cautious of pricing that seems unusually low. Extremely discounted surgical fees may reflect compromises in facility standards, anesthesia oversight, or surgical time. Your safety and outcome are not areas where value shopping serves your best interests.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Bohley in the Portland Region?
Dr. Michael Bohley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, serving patients throughout Portland, Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, Hood River, and The Dalles. He 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 preparation with deep regional roots.
Dr. Bohley is recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026, a third-party industry distinction that reflects his volume of experience and commitment to advanced aesthetic treatments. His practice is associated with a state-certified ambulatory surgery facility where all general anesthetics are administered by a licensed, board-certified anesthesiologist. He maintains ASPS membership by completing 150 hours of continuing medical education every three years, ensuring his techniques remain current. Patients who want a highly individualized treatment plan developed by a surgeon with decades of refined experience will find that commitment reflected throughout every stage of their care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
A board-certified plastic surgeon holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires completing an accredited residency, passing rigorous examinations, and meeting ongoing education requirements. The title “cosmetic surgeon” is not regulated in the same way and does not necessarily indicate equivalent training. When researching how to choose a plastic surgeon, verifying ABPS certification is the most important first step you can take.
How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon?
There is no fixed number, but most patients benefit from consulting with at least one or two surgeons before making a decision. Each consultation gives you an opportunity to evaluate how well the surgeon listens, whether their assessment of your goals feels personalized, and whether their facility and credentials meet your standards. Trust and communication matter as much as credentials when selecting the right provider for you.
What questions should I ask during a plastic surgery consultation?
Useful questions include: Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? How many times have you performed this specific procedure? Where will the surgery take place, and is the facility accredited? Who administers the anesthesia? What are the realistic risks and recovery expectations for my case? A surgeon who welcomes detailed questions and answers them thoroughly demonstrates the transparency and patient-centered approach that contributes to a positive experience.
Is it safe to travel to Portland from a nearby city for plastic surgery?
Many patients travel from Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, Hood River, and surrounding communities for plastic surgery in Portland. The key factors to consider are your proximity to the surgical facility during recovery, your ability to attend follow-up appointments, and whether your surgeon’s team is accessible by phone if questions arise after your procedure. Discussing your travel situation openly during your consultation helps your care team plan accordingly.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for a specific procedure?
Candidacy depends on your individual health history, anatomy, and goals, and it can only be assessed through a thorough in-person consultation. Generally, good candidates are in stable overall health, have realistic expectations about outcomes, and understand that individual results may vary. A qualified surgeon will review your medical history carefully before recommending any procedure. You can explore specific procedures such as mommy makeover surgery to begin understanding what may be involved before your consultation.
Reach Out Today
If you are ready to take the next step in learning how to choose a plastic surgeon in the Portland area, Dr. Michael Bohley’s team is available to answer your questions and schedule a personalized consultation. Visit our contact page to get in touch.
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.
