Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps in your aesthetic or reconstructive journey. The surgeon you select will directly impact your safety, your results, and ultimately your confidence. The wrong choice can lead to regret that’s hard, and sometimes impossible, to reverse.
If you’re wondering how to choose a plastic surgeon or what to look for in a facial plastic surgeon, here are the five most important things I recommend you consider:
1. Board Certification & Specialized Training
First and foremost, verify that your surgeon is board certified or fellowship trained in the specialty that matches the procedure you’re considering. Only three surgical specialties are formally trained to perform true plastic surgery:
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Oculoplastic Surgery
Surgeons in these specialties complete years of advanced training, pass rigorous board exams, and often pursue additional fellowship training to refine their skills. Be careful with titles like “cosmetic surgeon”, this is not a recognized surgical specialty and may indicate less formal training. Online profiles can be misleading, so it’s worth asking directly:
- Can you tell me about your training and board certification?
- Which board are you certified by?
These questions can help you separate truly qualified surgeons from those simply marketing themselves as such.
2. Proven Results
A skilled, confident surgeon should be proud to share examples of their work. Look for:
- Before-and-after photos of real patients (not stock images), ideally with cases similar to yours.
- Consistent, natural-looking results that align with your aesthetic goals.
- Reviews across multiple platforms to get a well-rounded view of patient satisfaction.
Pay attention to photographic consistency. Significant differences in lighting, angles, or makeup between before and after shots can make results appear better than they truly are.
3. Reputation & Recommendations
Word of mouth is still one of the most reliable ways to find the best plastic surgeon in your area. Ask friends, family, or trusted healthcare providers (like your dermatologist, primary care physician, or medical spa) for recommendations.
Surgeons who are respected within the medical community often have excellent track records, not only for surgical results but also for safety, ethics, and patient care.
4. The Consultation Connection
Your consultation isn’t just about getting a quote, it’s about seeing if the surgeon is the right fit for you (and vice versa). This is where you should feel confident that they truly understand your goals and share your vision. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel heard and understood?
- Does the surgeon take time to explain my options and answer questions?
- Are we aligned on what my results should look like?
That shared vision is one of the strongest predictors of long-term satisfaction.
5. No Pressure, Ever
A reputable plastic surgeon will educate you on your options, answer your questions, and let you make your decision on your own timeline. If you feel pressured, rushed, or promised perfection, consider it a red flag.
Bottom Line:
The right plastic surgeon has the credentials, results, reputation, and personal connection to make you feel confident every step of the way. Take your time, do your research, and choose someone who is both highly qualified and aligned with your vision. Your safety and satisfaction depend on it.
