Qualification
Even good qualification, per se, is not a guarantee of success – but it makes success much more probable. Criteria of qualification are available in doctors´ offices, hospitals or The Chamber of Physicians.
Training:
Ideal are three to four years of plastic surgical training after a complete speciality training in general surgery or traumatology. This basic training is possible after having achieved the doctorate in medicine (MD) and takes six years at least (in Austria). Only after these 9-10 years of training after MD we speak of a “solid surgical basis”.
Specialty Approval:
The best speciality approval your physician may have is for Plastic Surgery. Is he approbated for any other speciality this may be ok, but definitely Plastic Surgery is the best prerequisite for a surgeon heading for aesthetic operations. Even better if he is allowed to add “Ästhetische Chirurgie”. This additive is conferred by the local Chamber of Physicians (Landesärztekammer) where it may be asked for.
Experience:
Of course, you are better off with an experienced surgeon than a newcomer. It is the same with any trade. There is no magic number of years or operations. But it sure makes a difference if the surgeon makes an aesthetic operation once a month – and practices, let’s say reconstructive surgery the rest of the time or if his daily trade is aesthetic surgery.
Professional Organization:
The Chamber of Physicians is the important professional organization in Austria. Others, relevant for aesthetic patients are the European Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.