6 Things To Look for When You’re Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

When you need a plastic surgeon — whether for cosmetic or medical purposes — it’s important to do your homework and choose wisely. 

The right surgeon may have the skills and experience to deliver safe and responsible care. But on the flip side, choosing the wrong surgeon could leave you with regrets.

How to find a good plastic surgeon for your needs

Plastic surgeon Martin Newman, MD, shares six things to look for when you’re selecting a plastic surgeon.

1. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon

When you’re shopping around for a plastic surgeon, look for someone who’s board-certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means they have:

• Had at least six years of surgical training, with two or three years devoted specifically to plastic surgery
• Passed rigorous oral and written examinations
• Demonstrated safe and ethical surgical practice

“Doing your homework allows you to get the safe and experienced care you deserve,” Dr. Newman says.

2. Be sure their operating facility is accredited

Plastic surgery can be performed in an ambulatory care center or a surgical facility. Whichever type your surgeon works out of, their facility should be properly accredited.

“Accreditation ensures that strict standards are met for proper equipment, safety, surgeon credentials and staffing, including nurses and anesthesia providers,” Dr. Newman explains. “When you choose an accredited facility, you’re also choosing to receive the best quality care available.”

That’s because accredited facilities are required to have less than half of 1% of serious complications and an extremely low mortality rate of less than 1 in 57,000. 

So, how can you tell whether a facility is accredited? Look for accreditations from:

• Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
• American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO)

The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons also offers a consumer guide to help you understand accreditation and what to look for. 

3. Pay attention to whether they ask you questions

Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who should be treating you holistically. Whether you’re having cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery, they should consider your medical history.

“If the surgeon isn’t asking you about your medical history, medications and taking that into account when discussing potential treatment options, it should be a red flag that they’re not being thorough,” Dr. Newman cautions.

4. Look at reviews

When you’re looking for a plastic surgeon who’ll be the right fit for you, look for reviews from other people who’ve had the same procedures done at their office in the past.

“The overwhelming number of reviews should be positive, even if one or two poor reviews appear,” Dr. Newman says. “This also helps build your confidence in their work.”

5. Be wary of anyone who oversells additional services

Stop and take a step back if your surgeon starts suggesting procedures you didn’t ask for or procedures with benefits you can’t understand, even after an explanation.

Some procedures complement or enhance others, like cosmetic nose surgery and chin augmentation. But if you’re asking about rhinoplasty and your surgeon starts recommending liposuction of your thighs, you may want to find someone who’ll better listen to and address your needs.

“Ideally, you want to find a surgeon who’ll work with you to define your goals and provide you with realistic expectations for your cosmetic or reconstructive surgery,” Dr. Newman encourages.

6. Find a surgeon you relate to and feel comfortable with

If you don’t fully trust or feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon, it’s probably best to look for someone else.

“You should feel a partnership between the two of you,” Dr. Newman emphasizes. “Complications can occur, even in the best of hands. But you should feel assured that, if something unexpected arises, you’re working with someone who has the resources and the integrity to take care of you.”

Ask yourself questions like:

• Does this surgeon have experience in the procedure I’m asking for?
• Do I feel a connection with them?
• Am I comfortable asking questions and telling them my fears about the procedure?
• Do I trust them to give me a full explanation of the procedure and recovery?
• Do I trust them to give me safe recommendations that are tailored to me?
• Do I feel confident that they have the resources and ability to take care of me in case something happens?
• Does the rest of their staff seem accommodating, helpful and friendly?

“Whoever you choose for your plastic surgery, you should feel good about them and their abilities,” Dr. Newman reiterates. “You’ll work together to formulate a plan that’s right for you.”