How to Check a Plastic Surgeon's Reviews and Reputation (2025 Guide)
Updated November 2025
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your aesthetic journey. Whether you're considering a subtle enhancement or a transformative procedure, the surgeon you select will directly impact your safety, satisfaction, and results. Yet with thousands of practitioners advertising their services online, how do you separate truly qualified surgeons from those who may lack proper credentials or experience?
The answer lies in thorough research, specifically, learning how to properly check a plastic surgeon's reviews and reputation. This isn't just about reading star ratings or scrolling through testimonials. It's about understanding what credentials matter, where to find trustworthy information, and how to identify warning signs that a surgeon may not meet professional standards.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the exact steps to verify a surgeon's qualifications, interpret reviews with a critical eye, and ask the right questions during your consultation. By taking time to properly vet your surgeon, you're not just making an informed choice; you're investing in your safety and peace of mind.
Why Your Surgeon's Reputation Matters More Than Ever
Your plastic surgeon's reputation isn't built on marketing alone it's earned through years of training, ethical practice, consistent results, and patient satisfaction. In an era where anyone can create a polished website or purchase positive reviews, understanding how to verify a surgeon's true standing in the medical community has become essential.
Board certification, hospital privileges, peer recognition, and authentic patient outcomes all contribute to a surgeon's reputation. These factors aren't just impressive credentials to list on a website they're indicators of a surgeon's commitment to safety standards, continuing education, and accountability. When you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with an established reputation, you're selecting someone who has undergone rigorous training, adheres to ethical guidelines, and maintains relationships with accredited surgical facilities.
Unfortunately, the cosmetic surgery industry also attracts practitioners who may not have specialized training in plastic surgery. Some physicians complete weekend courses and begin offering procedures outside their expertise. Others may have faced disciplinary actions or malpractice claims that don't immediately appear in a Google search. This is why checking reputation through multiple authoritative sources is crucial to your safety.
How to Verify Board Certification and Credentials
The single most important credential for any plastic surgeon is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification indicates that a surgeon has:
- Completed at least six years of surgical training after medical school
- Passed comprehensive written and oral examinations
- Demonstrated proficiency in both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures
- Committed to ongoing education and ethical practice standards
To verify board certification, visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery website and use their "Find a Surgeon" tool. Simply enter the surgeon's name to confirm their certification status, original certification date, and whether they're in good standing. This verification takes less than two minutes and is absolutely essential before scheduling any consultation.
Beyond ABPS certification, look for these additional credentials:
Hospital Privileges: Board-certified surgeons typically hold operating privileges at accredited hospitals, even if they primarily work in private surgical centers. Hospital credentialing committees thoroughly vet surgeons before granting privileges, providing an additional layer of verification.
Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) requires board certification and adherence to ethical standards.
State Medical License: Verify that your surgeon holds an active, unrestricted license in your state through your state medical board website. Check for any disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, or restrictions on their license.
[Internal link placeholder: "How to Verify Plastic Surgeon Credentials"]
Where to Find Trustworthy Reviews and Patient Feedback
Online reviews can provide valuable insights into patient experiences, but not all review platforms are equally reliable. Here's where to look and how to read reviews critically:
Verified Patient Review Platforms
RealSelf: One of the most trusted platforms for plastic surgery reviews. RealSelf verifies that reviewers are actual patients and allows detailed reviews with photos. Pay attention to both the written reviews and the before-and-after photos that patients share.
Yelp and Google Reviews: While less specialized, these platforms can reveal patterns in patient experiences. Look for reviews that mention specific details about the consultation process, surgical experience, and results rather than generic praise.
Healthgrades and Vitals: These medical review sites aggregate patient feedback and often include information about wait times, bedside manner, and office environment.
How to Read Reviews with a Critical Eye
When evaluating reviews, look for these indicators of authenticity:
- Detailed experiences rather than generic statements like "best surgeon ever"
- Balanced feedback that mentions both positives and areas for improvement
- Consistent themes across multiple reviews (e.g., multiple patients praising the surgeon's attention to detail or noting long wait times)
- Recent reviews that reflect the surgeon's current practice
Be cautious of:
- Exclusively five-star reviews with minimal detail or overly promotional language
- Reviews posted on the same day or in suspicious clusters
- Generic complaints that don't mention specific interactions or experiences
- Extremely negative reviews that seem emotionally charged without substantive details
Remember that even excellent surgeons may have a few negative reviews. What matters is the overall pattern, how the surgeon responds to criticism, and whether concerns relate to safety issues versus subjective preferences.
Checking Medical Board Records
Your state medical board maintains public records of any disciplinary actions, malpractice settlements, or license restrictions. Visit your state medical board website and search for your surgeon's name. While not all malpractice claims indicate poor practice (some excellent surgeons face frivolous lawsuits), multiple claims or disciplinary actions warrant serious consideration.
Essential Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Your consultation is your opportunity to directly assess a surgeon's qualifications, approach, and compatibility with your goals. Come prepared with these critical questions:
These questions aren't about challenging your surgeon, they're about gathering information to make an informed decision. A qualified, confident surgeon will welcome your questions and provide clear, detailed answers. If a surgeon seems defensive, evasive, or dismissive of your concerns, that's a significant red flag.
Pay attention not just to what your surgeon says, but how they communicate. Do they take time to listen to your goals? Do they set realistic expectations or make promises that sound too good to be true? Do they discuss risks openly, or only emphasize benefits? These interaction patterns reveal much about a surgeon's approach to patient care.
Red Flags That Should Send You Looking Elsewhere
While most plastic surgeons operate ethically and prioritize patient safety, certain warning signs should prompt you to continue your search:
- No board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
- Unusually low pricing significantly below average market rates or "limited-time only" discount offers
- Refusal to show credentials or becoming defensive when asked about qualifications
- Operating in non-accredited facilities without hospital backup privileges
- High-pressure sales tactics or pushing you to book surgery immediately
- Lack of before-and-after photos for procedures they claim to specialize in
- Promising "perfect" results or guaranteeing specific outcomes
- Multiple negative reviews citing safety concerns or complications
- Disciplinary actions on state medical board records
- Offering procedures outside their specialty (e.g., a surgeon who isn't trained in plastic surgery offering facial procedures)
Trust your instincts. If something feels off during your consultation, whether it's the condition of the facility, the attitude of the staff, or the surgeon's communication style, it's okay to walk away. Your safety and satisfaction are too important to ignore warning signs or settle for a surgeon who doesn't meet the highest standards.
A reputable plastic surgeon will never rush you into a decision. They'll encourage you to take time, get second opinions, and return with additional questions. Transparency, not pressure, is the hallmark of a trustworthy practice.
Understanding Facility Accreditation and Safety Standards
Where your surgery takes place is just as important as who performs it. Board-certified plastic surgeons operate only in accredited surgical facilities that meet rigorous safety standards. Understanding facility accreditation helps you verify that your surgery will take place in a properly equipped, regularly inspected environment.
Recognized Accrediting Organizations
AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities): The oldest and most recognized accrediting body for office-based surgery facilities. AAAASF-accredited facilities undergo regular inspections and must meet standards for equipment, emergency protocols, and staff training.
JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations): Also known as The Joint Commission, JCAHO accredits hospitals and surgical centers nationwide. Their "Gold Seal of Approval" indicates rigorous quality and safety standards.
AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care): Another respected accrediting organization that evaluates surgical facilities for safety, quality, and patient care standards.
What Accreditation Means for Your Safety
Accredited facilities must:
- Maintain proper emergency equipment and protocols
- Employ qualified staff and anesthesia providers
- Undergo regular inspections and quality reviews
- Meet strict standards for sterility and infection control
- Have emergency transfer agreements with nearby hospitals
Always ask where your surgery will be performed and verify the facility's accreditation status. If a surgeon offers to perform your procedure in a non-accredited facility to save money, that's a major red flag indicating compromised safety standards.
Visit our self-help page to learn more about different procedures and cities.
Anesthesia Safety Protocols
Anesthesia administration is one of the most critical aspects of surgical safety. Your anesthesia should be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) working under physician supervision never by the surgeon simultaneously performing your procedure.
Ask these specific questions about anesthesia:
- Who will administer my anesthesia, and what are their credentials?
- Will a dedicated anesthesia professional monitor me throughout the entire procedure?
- What monitoring equipment will be used during surgery?
- What emergency protocols are in place if complications arise?
How to Research a Surgeon's Before-and-After Results
A surgeon's before-and-after photo gallery is one of your most valuable research tools. These images reveal not just technical skill, but aesthetic sensibility and consistency of results. Here's how to evaluate results portfolios effectively:
What to Look For
Patients with similar body types or features: Look for results on patients who resemble you in build, age, or anatomy. A skilled surgeon should be able to show multiple examples relevant to your goals.
Consistent quality: Review many photos, not just the surgeon's "best" cases. Do results look natural and well-executed across different patients, or only in cherry-picked examples?
Realistic outcomes: Be wary of results that look too dramatic or potentially altered digitally. Authentic before-and-after photos show realistic improvements, not perfection.
Multiple angles and lighting: Professional photo galleries show consistent lighting and angles, allowing fair comparison between before and after images.
Written patient stories: Many surgeons pair photos with patient testimonials. Look for detailed stories that describe the experience beyond just the physical results.
Questions to Ask About Results
- "Can I see multiple examples of this procedure on patients similar to me?"
- "What percentage of your patients require revision surgery?"
- "Can you put me in touch with past patients willing to share their experiences?"
Remember that even the best surgeons occasionally have patients who need revisions. What matters is how they handle these situations and their overall rate of patient satisfaction.
Preparing for Your Consultation Visit
Thorough preparation helps you make the most of your consultation time and gather all the information you need to make a confident decision.
Your Pre-Consultation Checklist
- Write down your specific goals and expectations. Be clear about what bothers you and what you hope to achieve
- Compile your complete medical history. Include past surgeries, current medications, allergies, and medical conditions
- Gather inspiration photos. Bring examples of results you admire (if applicable to your procedure)
- Prepare your list of questions. Write down everything you want to ask so you don't forget during the appointment
- Research typical costs. Understand the average pricing for your procedure in your area to recognize unrealistic quotes
- Arrange transportation. Even for consultations, you may receive information that's emotionally overwhelming; having someone with you can help
- Bring a notebook or recording device. You'll receive a lot of information; taking notes helps you remember details later
During the Consultation
Take notes on:
- The surgeon's answers to your questions
- Your comfort level with the surgeon and staff
- The condition and cleanliness of the facility
- The realism of the expectations being set
- The clarity of cost breakdowns and payment options
- Your gut feeling about whether this surgeon is right for you
Don't feel pressured to make decisions during your consultation. It's perfectly appropriate to thank the surgeon, take the information home, and schedule a follow-up call once you've had time to process everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my plastic surgery consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, your medical history, including past surgeries, insurance information (if applicable), inspirational photos that reflect your goals, and a list of prepared questions. Also, bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes during your discussion.
How long does a plastic surgery consultation typically take?
Most consultations last 30 to 60 minutes, though complex procedures or extensive discussions may take longer. Quality surgeons allow adequate time to address all your questions and concerns without rushing.
Is the consultation fee applied toward surgery costs?
This varies by practice. Some surgeons apply consultation fees toward surgery if you proceed with them, while others charge non-refundable consultation fees. Always ask about the practice's policy when scheduling.
What are the clear signs of an unsafe or unqualified surgeon?
Red flags include a lack of ABPS board certification, operating in non-accredited facilities, refusing to show credentials or detailed results, offering prices significantly below the market average, using high-pressure sales tactics, or having multiple disciplinary actions on their medical board record.
How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon?
Most patients benefit from consulting with two to three board-certified plastic surgeons before making a decision. This allows you to compare approaches, communication styles, and recommendations. Multiple consultations help you make a confident, informed choice.
Ready to Find Your Ideal Surgeon?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon requires research, preparation, and careful evaluation of credentials, reviews, and reputation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, verifying board certification, reading reviews critically, asking essential questions, and recognizing red flags, you're taking control of your surgical journey and prioritizing your safety.
AestheticMatch connects you with board-certified, pre-vetted plastic surgeons who meet the highest standards of safety, ethics, and patient care. Every surgeon in our network has been thoroughly screened for proper credentials, facility accreditation, and consistent patient satisfaction. Whether you're just beginning your research or ready to schedule consultations, we're here to help you find a surgeon you can trust.
Start your search today and take the next step toward achieving your aesthetic goals with confidence and peace of mind.
