Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/18/2015 -- Choosing a plastic surgeon is a difficult task that requires diligence and research. It can be helpful to begin searching for a surgeon using a checklist that includes all of the most important considerations. Last week, Dr. David Halpern, a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon from Tampa Bay, Florida, offers a free compendium of resources for prospective plastic surgery clients that will help them make their decision.

"I'd like to tell everyone, 'Sure, come on in and see me,'" says Dr. David Halpern, "but the reality is that even the best plastic surgeon has patients he must turn away. Training, experience, and certification are all important places to start one's search, but communication, rapport, and patient experience from the initial consultation onwards are the factors that really seal the deal."

In his blog, he outlines the following:

- How to tell if a plastic surgeon is truly qualified

- How to know if a particular procedure is the right one and if the surgeon being interviewed should perform it

- What questions to ask a prospective plastic surgeon to gauge honesty and meticulousness

- Where the best place to have surgery is, according to research

- Where to find independent plastic surgery reviews

- What yields the most satisfied clients

- How to tell if one is ready for plastic surgery or not

- What kind of results can be expected from the best plastic surgeons

- Which questions to ask about follow-up care

He also links to websites that help people conduct their own free research into a particular surgeon's background and medical expertise.

More details can be found at http://www.davidhalpernmd.com/choose-plastic-surgeon-patient-safety-resources/

"There are over 14 million successful plastic surgery procedures done in the United States each year, but the handful of horror stories tend to be the ones that capture the media's fascination. Tragically, these patients always express doubts they had about the surgeon, the procedure, or the facility that they had going on, but ignored. Though the safety profile of cosmetic procedures in America is excellent, plastic surgery should never be rushed into or taken lightly. It is a potentially life-changing event that should be approached with confidence, caution, and care."

In his blog, Dr. David Halpern recommends meeting with at least three surgeons to compare apples to apples. When in-office consultations are not feasible, many prospects choose to meet via Skype or call and chat with the doctor by phone.

Private consultations with Tampa Bay plastic surgeon Dr. David Halpern can be arranged at http://www.davidhalpernmd.com/contact-us/

About Dr. David Halpern
Dr. David Halpern has performed plastic surgery for over 15 years and currently serves as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Tampa General Hospital. He is triple-board-certified: in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery; and in micro-hand-surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. David Halpern has been voted "Tampa's #1 plastic surgeon" by South Tampa News and is the only practitioner of the Strawberry Laser in the Tampa Bay area. Contact Dr. David Halpern via his website or by calling 813-871-5000. Stay up to date with the latest plastic surgery news and specials by connecting with Dr. David Halpern and his staff on Facebook.