How To Find a Good Plastic Surgeon for Your Cosmetic Needs

Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a life-changing and personal decision. Whether considering a facelift, tummy tuck, or breast augmentation, choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial for ensuring safe and satisfactory results. But it takes more than googling “best plastic surgeon near me” to find the right fit for your needs.

In this post, I’ll explain how to find a good plastic surgeon who can create the results you want. You’ll start by doing research, asking the right questions, and following the helpful guidelines below.

Look for Board Certification

When searching for the best plastic surgeon in NYC—or anywhere—the first step is to check their board certification. A board-certified plastic surgeon has undergone extensive training, passed rigorous exams, and adheres to the highest standards of safety and ethics recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the group considered the gold standard for certification.

Surgeons certified by the ABPS have, at a minimum, achieved these impressive accomplishments:

• Graduated from an accredited medical school
• Completed at least 6 years of additional surgical residency training, 3 years of which must be plastic surgery-focused
• Passed comprehensive written and oral exams

The most reputable providers are affiliated with prestigious plastic surgery associations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society.

Research Their Experience and Specializations

Plastic surgery is a broad field, and each surgeon may specialize in different procedures. When choosing a surgeon, finding someone with extensive experience in the specific procedure you’re considering is essential. For example, if you’re pursuing a procedure like a mommy makeover, seek an experienced body contouring surgeon. Review the surgeon’s website to familiarize yourself with their background, and look at their before-and-after photo gallery to see if their skill and aesthetics align with your goals.

Read Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into a surgeon’s skills, bedside manner, and patient satisfaction. Websites like RealSelf, Google Reviews, and Healthgrades allow patients to share and rate their experiences and are good sources for your research. Are patients consistently happy with their results? Does the surgeon listen to their concerns? Is the staff professional and supportive? Pay attention to recurring themes to gauge whether the surgeon has a positive, proven track record.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential surgeons, schedule one-on-one consultations. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and assess the surgeon’s communication style. Ideally, you should leave the consultation feeling confident about the following:

• The surgeon took the time to listen to your concerns.
• The surgeon answered your questions patiently.
• The surgeon explained the details, risks, recovery, and results associated with your procedure.
• The surgeon shared realistic insights about what your plastic surgery procedure can accomplish.
• The surgeon’s staff was professional, helpful, and responsive.
• The surgeon’s office was clean, organized, and inviting.

Above all, your personalized consultation is the time to communicate openly, establish trust, and ensure you feel equally comfortable with the surgeon’s experience and bedside manner.

Choose Quality Over Cost

While cost is an essential consideration, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in choosing the best plastic surgeon for your needs. Remember, your health and appearance are worth the investment. A highly skilled surgeon with years of experience may charge more than someone just starting out, but the quality and safety of your procedure should be your top priority. While insurance does not cover most elective plastic surgery procedures, many practices offer convenient financing options to help you achieve your ideal look while minimizing the impact on your wallet.

Take the Next Step!

Finding the right plastic surgeon takes time and research, but it’s crucial to ensuring a safe and successful outcome. By following these tips, you can feel confident in your choice and look forward to achieving your ideal look. Request a consultation with me online or call my practice at (212) 249-4020 to get started.