What Credentials Should a Plastic Surgeon Have?
Updated: November 2025
What Credentials Should a Plastic Surgeon Have?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your aesthetic journey. The credentials and qualifications your surgeon holds directly impact your safety, surgical outcomes, and overall satisfaction. Yet in an era where anyone with a medical degree can technically perform cosmetic procedures, understanding which credentials truly matter and which are merely marketing can feel overwhelming.
The truth is that not all surgeons advertising cosmetic services have the specialized training, board certification, or ethical standards that define qualified plastic surgeons. Some physicians transition from entirely different specialties, attend weekend workshops, and begin offering procedures they're not adequately trained to perform. Others operate in non-accredited facilities without proper safety protocols. These situations put patients at serious risk for complications, poor results, and the need for costly revision surgeries.
This guide empowers you to evaluate surgeon credentials confidently, ask the right questions during consultations, and recognize red flags that should send you looking elsewhere. By understanding what board certification means, why hospital privileges matter, and which accreditations ensure facility safety, you protect yourself and dramatically increase your chances of achieving beautiful, natural results. Your health and investment deserve nothing less than a truly qualified, ethical plastic surgeon who prioritizes your well-being above all else.
The Gold Standard: Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Board certification is the single most important credential to verify before entrusting any surgeon with your care. However, not all board certifications are created equal—the only certification that matters for plastic surgery is recognition by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
What Board Certification Means
A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed:
- Four years of medical school, earning an MD or DO degree
- At least five years of surgical residency training, including general surgery and comprehensive plastic surgery education
- An additional 2-3 years of plastic surgery residency specifically focused on both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures
- Rigorous written and oral examinations administered by the ABPS covering all aspects of plastic surgery
- Ongoing continuing medical education requirements to maintain certification throughout their career
This pathway ensures surgeons have trained extensively in anatomy, surgical technique, patient safety, complication management, and ethical practice. They've performed hundreds or thousands of supervised procedures during residency before operating independently.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Here's what many patients don't realize: physicians from other specialties dermatology, general surgery, ENT, OB-GYN, and even family medicine, can legally perform cosmetic procedures without any formal plastic surgery training. They may attend short courses or workshops, then begin advertising services like liposuction, breast augmentation, or facelifts despite lacking comprehensive surgical education.
These practitioners sometimes obtain certification from alternative "cosmetic surgery boards" with minimal standards that require little more than paying fees and completing basic coursework. These boards sound legitimate, but don't require the extensive training that ABPS certification demands.
How to Verify Certification
Never take a surgeon's word alone. Verify credentials independently through:
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery website. Search their surgeon directory to confirm active certification
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons member directory ASPS requires ABPS certification for membership
- State medical boards: Verify the surgeon's medical license is active and unrestricted
During your consultation, ask directly:
"Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?" Accept nothing less than a clear "yes." Be wary of vague responses like "board-certified in cosmetic surgery" or mentions of alternative boards.
Verify surgeon credentials here before scheduling consultations to ensure you're only considering qualified professionals. Feel free to visit our self-help page for more information on surgeons and procedures.
Additional Essential Credentials and Qualifications
Beyond board certification, several other credentials indicate a surgeon's expertise, commitment to excellence, and professional standing.
Hospital Privileges
Surgeons with operating privileges at accredited hospitals undergo additional peer review and credentialing. Hospitals verify training, review malpractice history, and ensure surgeons meet institutional standards before granting privileges. Even if your procedure occurs in an office-based surgical suite, hospital privileges demonstrate professional accountability and recognition by medical peers.
Ask: "Do you have hospital privileges, and at which facilities?" Surgeons who operate exclusively in private offices without hospital affiliation may lack the credentials or track record for hospital credentialing.
Professional Society Memberships
Membership in prestigious organizations indicates adherence to ethical standards and commitment to continuing education:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires ABPS certification and adherence to strict ethical guidelines
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) focuses specifically on aesthetic surgery; it requires ABPS certification and demonstrated expertise in cosmetic procedures
- American College of Surgeons (ACS) requires rigorous peer review and commitment to surgical excellence
While membership alone doesn't guarantee quality, it demonstrates professional engagement and commitment to maintaining high standards.
Fellowship Training
Some surgeons complete additional fellowship training beyond residency, specializing in specific areas like:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Hand surgery
- Aesthetic surgery fellowships
- Microsurgery
- Burn reconstruction
Fellowship training indicates advanced expertise in specialized techniques, though it's not required for general plastic surgery practice. If you're seeking a highly specialized procedure, fellowship training in that area is valuable.
Years of Experience and Procedure Volume
While credentials establish baseline competency, experience determines mastery. Ask about:
- Years in practice performing your desired procedure
- Annual volume: How many times per year does the surgeon perform your specific procedure?
- Complication rates: What percentage of patients experience complications, and how are they managed?
- Revision rates: How often do patients require revision surgery?
Surgeons who perform your desired procedure regularly, ideally dozens or hundreds of times annually, develop a refined technique and better anticipate complications. Be cautious with surgeons who offer a procedure occasionally or who perform a wide variety of procedures without clear specialization.
Before-and-After Portfolio
Request to see extensive before-and-after photos of patients with similar:
- Body types and anatomy to yours
- Age ranges
- Aesthetic goals
- Ethnic backgrounds (for procedures where this affects technique)
Quality surgeons maintain comprehensive portfolios and eagerly share them. Pay attention to consistency do results look natural? Are proportions balanced? Does the aesthetic align with your vision? Limited portfolios or refusal to show relevant examples should raise concerns.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Arriving prepared with specific questions ensures you gather critical information for making safe, informed decisions. Here are essential questions organized by topic:
These questions serve multiple purposes beyond gathering information. They reveal the surgeon's communication style, transparency, and willingness to educate rather than simply sell. A qualified surgeon welcomes thorough questions and provides detailed answers without defensiveness or irritation.
Pay attention not just to what surgeons say, but how they say it. Do they listen carefully to your concerns? Do they explain medical concepts in an accessible language while respecting your intelligence? Do they provide honest information about risks, limitations, and realistic outcomes rather than overpromising results?
If a surgeon seems rushed, dismissive of your questions, or annoyed by your thoroughness, that's valuable information about how they'll treat you as a patient. You deserve a provider who respects your need for information and takes time to ensure you feel educated and comfortable.
Red Flags That Should Send You Looking Elsewhere
Certain warning signs indicate a surgeon or practice doesn't meet safety and quality standards. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Critical Red Flags:
- No board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – This is absolutely non-negotiable. Surgeons without ABPS certification lack the comprehensive training necessary for safe, effective plastic surgery.
- Unusually low pricing or aggressive discounts. Quality surgery has real costs, including qualified staff, accredited facilities, and proper equipment. Dramatically low prices often mean compromised safety, less experienced practitioners, or surgeons performing procedures outside their expertise. Beware of "limited-time offers," Groupon deals, or pressure tactics about "special pricing that expires today."
- Refusal to provide credentials, photos, or answer questions – Transparent, qualified surgeons readily share documentation, extensive before-and-after portfolios, and detailed answers to all questions. Evasiveness, defensiveness, or refusal to provide information suggests something to hide.
- Operating in non-accredited facilities. Accreditation ensures safety standards, emergency protocols, proper equipment maintenance, and trained staff. Non-accredited facilities often cut corners that put patients at serious risk.
- High-pressure sales tactics. Surgery is a major decision requiring careful consideration. Surgeons who push you to book immediately, make you feel guilty for wanting additional consultations, or use manipulative language prioritize their revenue over your well-being and informed consent.
- Overpromising results or guaranteeing outcomes. Ethical surgeons explain realistic expectations, potential limitations, and individual variability. Anyone promising "perfect" results, showing only idealized photos, or guaranteeing specific outcomes is being fundamentally dishonest. Every surgery carries variables and risks.
- Poor online reviews with recurring themes. While no surgeon has exclusively perfect reviews, patterns matter. Recurring complaints about complications, poor communication, unexpected costs, or difficulty reaching the surgeon after surgery are serious concerns.
- Staff that seems poorly trained or unprofessional. The surgical team reflects the surgeon's standards. Disorganized, unknowledgeable, or dismissive staff suggest systemic problems extending to patient care and safety.
- No clear emergency protocols Ask what happens if complications arise after hours or on weekends. Surgeons should have clear protocols for reaching them or an on-call colleague, not vague instructions to "go to the ER."
Remember: trusted, qualified surgeons prioritize your safety, informed consent, and realistic expectations above closing a sale. They encourage you to take time, consult multiple providers, research thoroughly, and make the decision that's truly right for you. They're confident in their skills and don't need pressure tactics or misleading marketing to earn your business.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
Maximize the value of your consultation by arriving organized and prepared with the right information and questions.
Your Pre-Consultation Checklist:
1. Write Down Your Goals and Expectations
Clarify exactly what you want to achieve. Be specific: What bothers you most about your current appearance? What would make you feel satisfied with the results? What concerns you about surgery? Writing these thoughts helps you communicate clearly and ensures the surgeon understands your vision.
2. Compile Your Complete Medical History
Prepare comprehensive documentation, including:
- Previous surgeries and procedures
- Current and past medical conditions
- All medications, supplements, and vitamins you take
- Known drug or anesthesia allergies
- Smoking or substance use history
- Family history of anesthesia complications or healing issues
- Previous reactions to medications or surgical procedures
Bring this documentation to your consultation. Certain conditions or medications may affect surgical planning, anesthesia choices, or whether you're currently a good candidate.
3. Collect Inspiration Photos (If Applicable)
For many procedures, photos help communicate aesthetic preferences. Choose images representing results you hope to achieve, understanding that your unique anatomy affects what's possible. Your surgeon will explain how to adapt goals realistically to your body.
4. Prepare Your Comprehensive Question List
Use the question table earlier in this guide as a starting point. Add procedure-specific questions based on your research. Prioritize your most important concerns in case consultation time runs short. Don't worry about asking "too many" questions—thorough patients often achieve better outcomes because they're fully informed.
5. Arrange Transportation and Support
While most initial consultations don't involve procedures, having someone accompany you provides emotional support and a second set of ears to remember important details. Some patients feel overwhelmed by medical information, making it helpful to have a trusted friend or family member take notes.
6. Bring Note-Taking Tools
You'll receive substantial information during your consultation. Taking detailed notes ensures you remember key details when comparing surgeons later. Some patients ask permission to audio-record the conversation for reference. Most surgeons accommodate this request, though they always ask first.
Arriving prepared demonstrates that you're a serious, engaged patient who has done your homework. It also ensures you use consultation time effectively rather than forgetting important questions or feeling rushed.
What Makes a Surgical Facility Safe
The physical environment where your surgery takes place directly impacts your safety. Understanding facility accreditation helps you evaluate whether a practice meets essential safety standards.
Critical Accreditation Bodies
Legitimate surgical facilities earn accreditation from organizations that inspect and certify safety standards:
AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) is the gold standard for office-based surgery facilities. AAAASF accreditation requires comprehensive safety protocols, proper equipment, trained staff, regular inspections, and adherence to the same safety standards as hospital operating rooms.
JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) Accredits hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers nationwide. JCAHO certification ensures rigorous safety standards, emergency preparedness, and quality care protocols.
AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) is another highly respected accrediting body for outpatient facilities, ensuring quality care and comprehensive patient safety standards.
What Accreditation Verifies:
Accredited facilities maintain:
- Proper surgical equipment and emergency supplies including resuscitation equipment
- Adequate staffing with appropriate training and credentials
- Strict infection control and sterilization procedures
- Comprehensive emergency response systems and protocols
- Regular equipment maintenance, testing, and safety drills
- Proper medication storage and administration protocols
- Quality improvement programs and complication tracking
Accreditation isn't optional for quality care it's essential. Board-certified plastic surgeons understand their reputation depends on patient safety, so they operate exclusively in accredited facilities. If a surgeon performs procedures in non-accredited locations, that's a major red flag indicating compromised safety standards.
Anesthesia Safety Requirements
Anesthesia carries inherent risks, making proper credentials and monitoring essential. During consultation, verify:
- Who administers anesthesia? The safest option is a board-certified anesthesiologist (MD or DO) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) dedicated solely to monitoring you during surgery, not the surgeon attempting to operate and manage anesthesia simultaneously.
- What type of anesthesia is used? Options include general anesthesia, IV sedation (twilight), or local anesthesia. Your surgeon should explain why they recommend a particular approach for your procedure and anatomy.
- What emergency equipment and protocols exist? Accredited facilities maintain resuscitation equipment, emergency medications, oxygen delivery systems, and cardiac monitoring. All staff must be trained in emergency protocols, including CPR and ACLS.
Never undergo surgery in a facility lacking proper anesthesia credentials, monitoring equipment, or emergency preparedness. The cost savings aren't worth the potentially catastrophic risks.
FAQs
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring comprehensive medical documentation, including your health history, current medications and supplements, known allergies, and relevant medical records. Also, bring your insurance card (even for cosmetic procedures, they need identification), your prepared question list, inspiration photos if applicable, and a notebook or device for taking notes. For breast procedures, wearing a comfortable, easy-to-remove top facilitates examination.
How long does a plastic surgery consultation take?
Most initial consultations last 30-60 minutes, though complex cases may require longer appointments. You'll typically spend time with both the surgeon and their patient coordinator or nurse. The surgeon examines you, discusses goals, explains the procedure, and answers questions. The coordinator usually handles scheduling, detailed pricing, and financing information afterward.
Is the consultation fee applied toward surgery?
Policies vary by practice. Some surgeons charge consultation fees ($100-$500) that apply toward your surgery cost if you book within a specified timeframe (often 30-90 days). Others offer complimentary initial consultations. Always ask about fee policies when scheduling. Remember that free consultations don't indicate lower quality or higher overall costs; it's simply a business model preference.
What are the signs of an unsafe or unqualified surgeon?
Major warning signs include lack of ABPS board certification, operating in non-accredited facilities, refusing to provide credentials or before-and-after photos, high-pressure sales tactics, dramatically low pricing, overpromising results, poor online reviews with recurring negative themes, unprofessional or poorly trained staff, vague answers to direct questions, and making you feel rushed or guilty about seeking second opinions. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong or uncomfortable; seek consultation elsewhere.
How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon?
Most patients benefit from consulting at least 2-3 board-certified plastic surgeons before making a final decision. Multiple consultations help you compare surgical approaches, communication styles, pricing, facility quality, and overall comfort levels. This process also educates you progressively about your procedure, helping you ask increasingly sophisticated questions and better recognize quality care. Don't rush this decision. Choosing the right surgeon matters far more than saving time or booking quickly.
Find Your Match
Ready to take the next step with confidence? AestheticMatch connects you with board-certified, thoroughly vetted plastic surgeons who meet the highest standards of training, safety, and patient care. Our platform helps you compare qualified surgeons, verify credentials, read authentic patient reviews, and schedule consultations knowing you're considering only legitimately qualified professionals.
Whether you're beginning your research or ready to book your procedure, finding a surgeon with the right credentials and experience transforms the journey from anxious to empowering. Start your path toward safe, beautiful results with surgeons who've earned their reputation through proper training, ethical practice, and genuine commitment to patient well-being.
Your safety matters more than convenience or cost savings. Take your time, verify credentials thoroughly, ask every question that matters to you, and choose a surgeon who earns your trust through transparency, expertise, and genuine care for your well-being.
