Dr. Mark Barlow MD, Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Clear Lake, Texas

Listen to "Do Your Homework" - a radio message from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons about the importance of checking your surgeon's credentials before getting surgery, at www.plasticsurgery.org, the web site of the ASPS.

Patient:

"I'd wanted a breast augmentation for years, so when my doctor said I could afford for him to do it, I trusted him, but I shouldn't have. He's not a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. I got a serious infection and after three surgeries I finally had to get the implants taken out. It nearly killed me and I ended up with nothing."

Voice over:

Unfortunately, plastic surgeons hear about botched procedures like that all the time according to Dr. Philip Haeck, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Philip Haeck, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

"Any doctor can call himself a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. He may even claim board certification. But what if it's in family practice, or some other specialty, not plastic surgery? Look for membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons."

Voice over:

At a time when shopping malls and even beauty shops offer Botox and chemical peels, your appearance and maybe even your life depend on doing your homework. Find out more about patient safety and how to find an ASPS member plastic surgeon in your area, at www.plasticsurgery.org/safe .