When considering plastic surgery, selecting the right doctor is just as important as choosing the procedure itself. The process of finding the right surgeon is “almost like dating,” explained Dr. Angela Sturm, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston. Look for someone whose aesthetic aligns with yours and with whom you feel comfortable.
“Treat this like a partnership between you and the surgeon. Ensure there is alignment of goals and communication,” said Dr. Daniel Gould, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. “Find them slowly and fire them quickly if there’s any question.”
To help navigate what can be a complex and high-stakes decision, we asked three top plastic surgeons to share the warning signs that should give you pause. While no checklist can guarantee flawless results, overlooking these sketchy details “can be detrimental to your safety and results,” warned Dr. Mark R. Murphy, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Palm Beach, Florida.
Here are the red flags plastic surgeons say you should never ignore:
1. Your surgeon is not board-certified in plastic surgery.
It’s essential to confirm that a surgeon is board-certified — and not just in any specialty, but specifically in plastic surgery. “This credential affirms they have completed rigorous training and examinations,” explained Murphy.
However, some doctors may market themselves as plastic surgeons without holding the proper certification. “This happens more commonly than you think and is not illegal, though it is unethical,” said Gould.
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A “cosmetic surgeon” isn’t the same as being a board-certified plastic surgeon.
If the doctor’s residency was in a non-plastic-surgery field like pediatrics, colorectal surgery, or even dermatology, “there’s a problem,” said Gould, who pointed out that the term “cosmetic surgeon” is often used in these cases, and although it sounds legitimate, it’s not the same as being a board-certified plastic surgeon.
“Your surgeon should be held to the standards of a board such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, to ensure your safety and outcome,” said Sturm.
2. Your surgeon doesn’t specialize in the procedure you want.
Sturm advises patients to choose someone who specializes in the specific surgery they’re considering. This usually means the surgeon has performed the procedure more frequently, pursued deeper training, and kept up with relevant advancements.
“There are so many great surgeons, but just because they are amazing at one procedure doesn’t mean they will be at all of them,” she noted. Pursuing a specialist means you’re more likely to see consistent results and benefit from a provider who knows how to handle complications.
When selecting a plastic surgeon, “always inquire about their experience with the specific procedure you’re considering,” advised Murphy. Furthermore, you’ll want to “verify that your surgery will take place in an accredited facility, and make sure that pre-operative clearance is required.”
3. They don’t have lots of before-and-after photos to show you.
Before-and-after photos can provide valuable insight into a surgeon’s skills, aesthetic style, and the kind of results you can reasonably expect. “Ask how many similar surgeries they have performed and request before-and-after photos of their work,” suggested Murphy.
“If they have pages and pages of breast augmentations, but not many rhinoplasties, they may be a great surgeon, but more than likely don’t do as many rhinoplasties,” noted Sturm.
Still, Murphy cautioned patients to have realistic expectations. “A competent surgeon will not promise you perfection, as it simply isn’t achievable,” he said. “A qualified surgeon will provide feedback and input to make sure your expectations are achievable.”
4. The price is unusually low.
“Be cautious of prices that seem too enticing,” warned Murphy, as this may indicate cut corners and come with hidden risks. “Many patients have come to me for revisions after being unhappy with low-cost procedures that didn’t turn out well.”
5. You feel any pressure to proceed.
Trust your instincts. If you feel pressured or manipulated, “this is a psychological form of gaslighting that has no place in medicine and certainly not in plastic surgery,” said Gould. “If your surgeon tries to scare you into a procedure, saying that if you go elsewhere, you will be butchered or that it will cost you dearly, this is another red flag.”
“If you ever feel uneasy about a situation, it’s perfectly acceptable to graciously excuse yourself,” said Murphy. “It’s critical to feel at ease before undergoing any procedure.”
“If at any time — even in the operating room right before the procedure — you feel like it’s wrong, it is always OK to say ‘stop,’” added Gould.
6. There’s no wait time to schedule the surgery.
Availability can be another indicator of quality. “If your surgeon can do the surgery tomorrow, that’s not a good sign,” noted Gould. “Most skilled surgeons are booked out at least three months in advance, and there is a standardized process to lead up to the surgery, including adequate time for medical clearance, life planning, aftercare and travel. If your surgeon isn’t busy and booked, then that’s a red flag.”
7. They actively upsell you.
When a consultation starts to feel more like a sales pitch, it’s a sign the surgeon may not be acting in your best interest.
“When you go to a plastic surgeon, you are coming to address things about yourself that may make you self-conscious. You want to find a surgeon who helps you address those and feel more confident, not find more things to worry about,” explained Sturm, who noted that many of her revision patients were sold into procedures they didn’t originally seek. “They weren’t that worried about that area of their face in the first place but [were] talked into surgery.”
If the consultation feels off in any way, “I would politely complete the consultation and continue my search for the right plastic surgeon,” she said.