Finding Your Perfect Match: How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon

Considering plastic surgery is a personal decision that requires careful planning. A crucial part of this journey is selecting the best plastic surgeon for your needs – someone who not only possesses exceptional skills but also aligns with your unique needs and goals. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important step:

1. Board Certification is Non-Negotiable

In the world of plastic surgery, qualifications reign supreme. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification signifies rigorous training, expertise, and adherence to the highest safety standards. Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon for proof of their board certification during your consultation.

2. Experience Matters – But Specificity is Key

Experience is valuable, but relevant experience is even better. While a vast number of surgeries performed is impressive, delve deeper. Find a surgeon who has extensive experience in the specific procedure you’re considering. Look for surgeons who showcase before-and-after photos of similar cases on their website or social media outlets such as Instagram. If a surgeon doesn’t have any photos of his or her work or makes you ask to see the photos, consider this a HUGE red flag and take your business elsewhere.

3. Online Reviews Can Offer Valuable Insights

The internet can be a goldmine of information. Patient reviews on reputable platforms can provide valuable insights into a surgeon’s bedside manner, communication style, and overall patient experience.

4. Consultation Chemistry is Crucial

The consultation is your chance to assess not just a plastic surgeon’s qualifications, but also their personality. Did the actual surgeon spend time with you during the consultation, or did they leave the majority of the work up to their patient coordinator? Do they listen attentively to your concerns? Do they explain things clearly? Do you feel comfortable asking questions and voicing your expectations? Finding a plastic surgeon you trust and feel confident with is paramount for a positive surgical journey.

5. Don’t Be Shy to Ask Questions

This is your body and your investment. Come to your consultation prepared with a list of questions. Ask about the plastic surgeon’s training, their approach to the specific procedure, potential risks and complications, and recovery expectations. The best plastic surgeon will encourage open communication and address all your concerns thoroughly.

6. Facility Matters – Accreditation Ensures Safety

Where your surgery takes place is equally important. Ensure the surgical facility is accredited by a reputable organization like the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). This accreditation signifies the facility adheres to strict safety protocols and maintains high standards of care.

7. Beware of Bargain-Basement Surgery

Plastic surgery is an investment in your health and appearance. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid surgeons who offer significantly lower costs than the average — this could be a red flag for unqualified practitioners or facilities with inadequate safety measures.

Remember, choosing the best plastic surgeon is a crucial decision. By prioritizing board certification, relevant experience, clear communication, and a comfortable consultation experience, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect match for your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose the best Plastic Surgeon for my needs?
Start by looking for a board-certified Plastic Surgeon with experience performing the specific procedure you’re considering. You should also evaluate their qualifications, before-and-after results, patient reviews, communication style, surgical facility, and your overall comfort during the consultation.

2. Why is American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification important?
ABPS certification indicates that a surgeon has completed specialized plastic surgery training and met the Board’s requirements for education, training, examination, and professional standards. It is an important qualification to consider when choosing a Plastic Surgeon in the United States.

3. How important is a surgeon’s experience with my specific procedure?
Specific experience is extremely important. A surgeon may have extensive general experience but less experience with the procedure you want. Ask how frequently they perform your procedure and request to see before-and-after photographs of similar cases.

4. Should I read online reviews before choosing a Plastic Surgeon?
Yes. Reviews can provide useful insight into the patient experience, communication, bedside manner, and overall satisfaction. However, reviews should be considered alongside board certification, surgical experience, credentials, and your consultation rather than being the sole deciding factor.

5. What should I look for during a plastic surgery consultation?
Pay attention to whether the surgeon personally spends time with you, listens to your concerns, explains your options clearly, and answers your questions. You should feel comfortable discussing your goals, expectations, potential risks, and recovery with the surgeon.

6. What questions should I ask a Plastic Surgeon before surgery?
Ask about the surgeon’s training and board certification, experience with your procedure, surgical technique, expected results, potential risks and complications, recovery process, and follow-up care. You can also ask to see before-and-after photographs of patients who underwent similar procedures.

7. Does the surgical facility matter when choosing a Plastic Surgeon?
Yes. The facility where your procedure is performed is an important part of surgical safety. Ask whether the facility is properly accredited and follows established safety and patient-care standards.

8. Should I choose a Plastic Surgeon based primarily on price?
No. The lowest price should not be the primary factor when choosing a surgeon. Extremely low prices can sometimes indicate differences in qualifications, facility standards, anesthesia, or other aspects of care. Prioritize experience, credentials, safety, communication, and quality of care when making your decision.

Resources

ASPS – Choose a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust

About the Author

Dr. Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Petrungaro Plastic Surgery, serving Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicagoland area. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, completed his General Surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and completed his Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Petrungaro is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and has been voted Best Cosmetic Surgery Center by The Times for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, 2026). Read Dr. Petrungaro’s full bio →