When evaluating plastic surgeons via the internet start by checking their official certification status. In the United States, you must confirm their certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the exclusive board endorsed by the ABMS for this specialty. There may be other boards offering certification, but they do not provide the same rigorous training. You can verify certification through the official website of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
After certification, investigate their educational path—look for details regarding their medical degree, ساختمان پزشکان ایران plastic surgery residency, and any additional fellowships. An experienced practitioner must have completed at least a minimum of six years of post-medical-school surgical education. Of those six years, at least three are dedicated to plastic surgery. Steer clear of doctors whose background is outside of plastic surgery and completed brief cosmetic training programs.
Ensure they regularly perform the procedure you want. Each surgeon typically has distinct areas of expertise. Some concentrate on cosmetic facial surgery, others excel in post-weight-loss body shaping, or reconstructive work. Look for a surgeon who performs your desired procedure regularly and demonstrates consistent positive outcomes. Patient before-and-after photos can help illustrate their skill, but ensure the photos are authentic.
Read patient reviews and testimonials carefully. Check multiple review sites such as RealSelf, Healthgrades, Google Reviews, and Yelp. Prioritize reviews with specific insights that mention doctor-patient interaction, aftercare quality, and final results. Ignore providers with no negative feedback or an unusually high number of five-star ratings without any criticism.
Verify their practice credentials and facility standards. Make sure they perform surgeries in accredited facilities. Recognition by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care or the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities indicates a commitment to patient safety and hygiene. Steer clear of practitioners using non-accredited locations such as non-clinical environments.
Verify their affiliation with recognized medical associations. Affiliation with ASPS or ASAPS signals dedication to professional standards and lifelong learning. These organizations have rigorous membership requirements, and require proof of current credentials and abide by professional conduct standards.
Book a professional evaluation. Many top surgeons include a no-obligation consultation as part of their service. Use this time to ask questions about expected outcomes, safety concerns, and post-op care. Observe how they interact with you. An ethical provider will never rush you and will be honest regarding possible complications, healing duration, and achievable results. Trust your instincts—if the experience doesn’t feel right, keep looking. Your well-being and results hinge on selecting a qualified expert.
