How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?

The stages behind a surgeon's training years

Training happens in stages: medical school, then surgical residency, then sometimes a fellowship. The total depends on the path the surgeon took. Ask which stages they completed, how many years each lasted and what each covered, and listen for an answer that names them.

Training among other eyelid surgery questions

Training is one part of choosing a surgeon for eyelid surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons eyelid surgery page is a general overview, and the about page of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery describes one board a facial plastic surgeon may name when you ask about training. The same society's blog post on finding the right plastic surgeon for you is another source on what to check, and the Washington Medical Commission page on complaints and actions is the state commission's page to know about when you are choosing a surgeon in Washington.

Checking an eyelid surgeon's training

Ask the surgeon to describe their training in their own words, which boards they hold, and how often they perform the exact operation you are considering. Then check what they tell you against the sources they name. If you are in the Redmond area, ask where they operate and who handles problems after hours.

A training answer that holds up against the boards named

A surgeon who answers plainly makes your decision easier. Your surgeon's advice is the one to rely on.