Direct Answer
Before booking any cosmetic surgery procedure, ask your surgeon about their board certification, annual volume in your specific procedure, whether they perform the surgery themselves, their complication rate, and what happens if you are unsatisfied with your results.
The 10 essential questions
Are you board certified — and by which board?
Always specify the board (e.g. ABPS, ABFPRS, ABD). “Board certified” without specifying an ABMS board is meaningless.
How many times have you performed this exact procedure in the last 12 months?
Volume in your specific procedure — not overall surgical volume — is the strongest indicator of expertise.
Do you perform the surgery yourself or does a resident/fellow assist?
In academic and teaching settings, residents may perform key portions of the procedure. Confirm who will operate.
Can I see before-and-after photos from patients with similar anatomy to mine — taken at least 6-12 months post-op?
Photos taken at 3 months show swelling, not final results. Ask for long-term outcomes.
What is your complication rate for this procedure?
Surgeons who track outcomes can answer this. Be cautious of any surgeon who claims zero complications.
Where is the surgery performed — accredited facility or hospital?
Verify accreditation by AAAASF, AAAHC, or The Joint Commission, or that the surgeon has hospital privileges to perform the procedure.
What anesthesia will be used and who administers it?
Confirm an MD anesthesiologist or CRNA — not the surgeon — administers general anesthesia.
What does recovery look like specifically — downtime, restrictions, timeline to final result?
Detailed, specific answers indicate the surgeon's experience. Vague answers are a yellow flag.
What is your revision policy if I am not satisfied with my results?
Ask specifically about cost, timing, and what qualifies for revision.
Can I speak with a previous patient who had this procedure?
Many surgeons maintain a list of patients willing to speak with prospective patients. This is one of the most useful sources of unfiltered feedback.
Red flags to walk away from
- Cannot provide recent before-and-after photos
- Pressures you to decide at the consultation
- Offers significant discounts if you book same day
- Cannot clearly explain their board certification or evades the question
- Does not have hospital privileges to perform the procedure
Featured Haute MD surgeons
Haute MD's featured cosmetic surgeons are board-certified physicians editorially vetted by the Haute Living editorial team. See the sidebar for the surgeons featured in this guide.
Related reading
- How to Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Best plastic surgeons in New York
- Haute MD methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon?
Two to three consultations is standard for elective cosmetic surgery. Multiple consultations let you compare surgical recommendations, philosophies, and pricing across credentialed surgeons — and confirm that the proposed approach is consistent.
Is it rude to ask a surgeon about their complication rate?
Not at all. Experienced surgeons track and discuss their outcomes openly. A surgeon who reacts defensively to a complication-rate question is a red flag.
Should I bring someone to my consultation?
Yes — bringing a trusted friend or family member helps you process information, take notes, and ask follow-up questions. Most surgeons welcome it.
How do I know if a surgeon's before-and-after photos are real?
Ask whether the photos shown are the surgeon's own patients (not stock or borrowed images), whether you can see the same patient from multiple angles, and whether you can see the same patient at 6+ months post-op. Reputable surgeons maintain extensive consented patient galleries.