How to Find a Top Plastic Surgeon: Credentials, Research, and Consultation Tips

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

1. Verify Board Certification: Must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) (or Royal College in Canada, GMC in UK). Check at CertificationMatters.org.
2. Confirm Specialty Training: Integrated plastic surgery residency (6 yrs) or general surgery + plastic surgery fellowship. Avoid "cosmetic surgeons" without ABPS certification.
3. Review Hospital Privileges: Active privileges at accredited hospitals indicate peer-reviewed competence.
4. Assess Experience: Ask annual volume for your specific procedure. Review before/after photos of similar patients.
5. Check Disciplinary History: State medical board website for malpractice, sanctions, license actions.
6. Evaluate Communication: Consultation should include risks, alternatives, realistic expectations, recovery timeline, and cost transparency.
7. Facility Accreditation: Surgery in AAAASF, AAAHC, or Joint Commission-accredited facility (or hospital OR).
8. Anesthesia Team: Board-certified anesthesiologist or CRNA for sedation/general anesthesia.

Trusted Directories

• ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) – plasticsurgery.org
• ASAPS (Aesthetic Society) – surgery.org
• ISAPS (International) – isaps.org

Red Flags

• No ABPS certification
• Pressure to book immediately
• Operating in non-accredited office without anesthesia provider
• Unrealistic promises ("scarless," "no recovery")