Plastic Surgery
How Do You Choose a Plastic Surgeon?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
Choosing a plastic surgeon starts with verifying board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery. Beyond credentials, evaluate the surgeon's specific experience with your procedure, review before-and-after photographs, and ensure you feel comfortable with their communication style during the consultation.
Credentials to verify
ABPS certification is the baseline standard. Verify at certificationmatters.org. Additional fellowship training in a subspecialty (facial plastic surgery, microsurgery) indicates advanced expertise. Hospital privileges at accredited facilities confirm a surgeon meets external quality standards — even for procedures performed in a private surgical suite.
Evaluating before-and-after results
Review a portfolio of at least 20-30 before-and-after photographs for your specific procedure. Look for natural-looking results that match your aesthetic goals, consistency across patients, and results in patients with similar starting anatomy to yours.
Red flags to watch for
Pressure to decide quickly, extremely low prices significantly below market rate, inability to provide before-and-after photos, lack of hospital privileges, no consultation or inadequate consultation time, and vague answers about risks and complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many consultations should I have before choosing a plastic surgeon?
Schedule consultations with at least 2-3 board-certified plastic surgeons before making a decision. Each consultation gives you a chance to evaluate the surgeon's expertise, aesthetic sensibility, and communication style.
Should I prioritize cost when choosing a plastic surgeon?
Never choose a plastic surgeon primarily based on price. The cost of revision surgery or treating complications from a poorly performed procedure far exceeds the savings from choosing the least expensive option. Prioritize credentials, experience, and aesthetic results.
Can I see a plastic surgeon's before-and-after photos online?
Most reputable plastic surgeons publish before-and-after galleries on their websites and social media. Ask to see additional case-specific photos during your consultation, particularly patients with similar concerns to yours.
What questions should I ask at a plastic surgery consultation?
How many times have you performed this procedure? Can I see before-and-after photos specific to my procedure? What are the risks? What is recovery like? What happens if I am unhappy with my results?
Get Help Now
Speak with a Haute MD Plastic Surgery physician
Dr. Daniel Careaga
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Coral Gables, FL
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Dr. Alexandra Condé-Green
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boca Raton, FL
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Dr. Samuel Lin
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boston, MA
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