Are you considering plastic surgery? Whether you want a smaller and cuter nose, a flatter stomach, bigger breasts or smaller love handles, there is risk involved. Even with the best surgeons available, surgery always involves the element of risk. There are dozens of things that can go wrong, complicate the surgery and put your life at risk.

But there is a new, growing problem that can make plastic surgery even more dangerous. In the past few years there has been a significant influx of unqualified, uncertified doctors into the plastic surgery business. With the rising costs of malpractice insurance and student loans, a lot of doctors are looking for ways to make more money. They see the huge dollar amounts people pay for plastic surgery, and rather than taking the circuitous and expensive route to certification, they falsify their credentials and set up unregulated cosmetic surgery practices.

Today, more people than ever before are having plastic surgery. The popularity of reality-based plastic surgery TV shows has led to a huge increase in demand for cosmetic surgical procedures. Because plastic surgery isn't covered by health insurance, doctors can ensure a hefty, rather trouble-free payday by performing it.

If you are going to have plastic surgery, health experts recommend these three precautions to minimize the risk of complications. First, pick a surgeon certified by the relevant board of plastic surgery in whatever country you're in. For example, in the United States a plastic surgeon should be certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery, or ABPS. These certifications require a doctor to have graduated from an accredited medical school, have very thorough plastic surgery training and pass comprehensive exams. Second, the surgical procedures should be done in either a hospital or an accredited or licensed facility. Be very cautious about checking a non-hospital's accreditations. Third, make sure your health is thoroughly evaluated before you go under the knife. Be sure you are checked for heart issues, diabetes, or a history of blood clots. The majority of deaths that occur during plastic surgery have to do with a blood clot, so be particularly cautious about that.

Here are some more thorough guidelines about checking a plastic surgeon's credentials.

When you are having a body contouring procedure such as liposuction, breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, you want a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. But if you are having facial plastic surgery only, you can use either a certified plastic surgeon or an Otolarynologist (otherwise known as an ENT or Ear, Nose and Throat specialist) certified by the American Board of Otolarynology. But do not allow an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist to perform any procedure below your neck.

In Canada, surgeon performing a body contouring procedure may be certified by the ABPS, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or both organizations.

People performing plastic surgery under false pretenses often use bogus "certifications" from institutions with similar names as the correct organizations. If you want to ensure a safe, successful, high-quality plastic surgery, you absolutely must be positive about the provider's credentials. Otherwise, you put your health, well-being and appearance in great risk.