If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you have several key decisions to make. You need to decide what procedure you wish to have, when you would like to have your surgery, and where you would like to have your procedure performed. However, the single biggest decision you need to make is who will perform your surgery. Selecting an accomplished plastic surgeon is the single best way to ensure that you are satisfied with the results of your surgery.

Choosing the plastic surgeon just down the street or the surgeon who advertises the most on television is often not the best course of action. Selecting the best plastic surgeon for your specific needs requires careful evaluation and comparison of the cosmetic surgeons who specialize in the procedure that you are seeking. Below are 10 factors to consider as you compare plastic surgeons:

1) Specialized Education and Training

Plastic surgery requires specialized training and precision that is best acquired through rigorous education and training. As you compare surgeons, be sure to check their educational background and credentials, which should be available for viewing on the surgeon’s website and onsite at their surgery center. Ideally, the plastic surgeon you choose should possess the following:

2) A Good Bedside Manner

“…Characteristics mentioned in positive (plastic surgeon) reviews included good bedside manner, friendly/helpful office staff, surgeon expertise, and listening to the patient…Contributors to negative reviews included not listening to the patient, lack of surgeon competence, and not acknowledging or taking responsibility for poor results.”

– Wolters Kluwer Health

As you meet with prospective surgeons and their staff, be sure to consider the surgeon’s bedside manner, active listening skills, and sensitivity to your needs and concerns. ASPS Member John Y.S. Kim, MD, notes that the “patient’s interactions with the surgeon and staff provide the impetus for positive or negative reviews” of a surgeon.

3) Professional Memberships in Medical Societies

Membership in professional societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society illustrates a surgeon’s commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to patients. Surgeons are typically invited to join these organizations, which provide members with access to a host of resources, including the following:

  • Annual membership meetings that feature educational seminars, networking opportunities, and exposure to the latest surgical techniques
  • Quality resources, such as clinical guidelines, performance measures, and access to current research
  • Educational publications that highlight the latest news and current trends in the plastic surgery arena

4) Before and After Photos

Accomplished plastic surgeons showcase their work with confidence. The surgeon’s website should contain plenty of before and after photos of the procedure you are seeking, along with comments from current and past patients. A growing number of surgeons are posting video clips on their sites to illustrate how a procedure can transform your appearance. If the surgeon’s website only contains one or two photos, be sure to ask to see additional photos during your consultation.

Make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page. Plastic surgery is as much art as it is science. You want to find a surgeon who understands your vision and can create a unique plan to help you achieve your goals.

5) Industry Leadership

The nation’s top plastic surgeons are outstanding leaders in the plastic surgery industry. They serve on panels at conferences, speak at universities, and are selected to review textbooks and journal articles. They often hold an office within their local professional societies and present clinical research material at annual ASPS and Aesthetic Society meetings. Leading plastic surgeons are also frequently invited to author material in books.

6) Application of the Latest Surgical Techniques

A hallmark of a superb plastic surgeon is a desire to continually improve their surgical techniques. They achieve this goal by always staying abreast of the latest advances in the field of plastic surgery. They invest in the latest cutting-edge surgical equipment and participate in continuing education seminars to keep their skills sharp. In short, they are dedicated to enhancing the patient experience from the moment you enter their surgery center to the last day of the recovery process.

7) Accredited Facilities 

Make sure they operate in a legit place. Board-certified plastic surgeons only work in accredited hospitals or surgery centers. This means they have the right equipment and trained staff to handle any emergencies that might pop up – that’s important!

8) Experience Handling Complications

Talk to them about how they handle complications. Every surgery has some risks, so it’s good to know what to expect in the first couple of days and what could happen long term. Ask your surgeon how they’re trained to avoid problems and deal with any unexpected issues.

9) Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest Option

Plastic surgery is serious stuff, and the best value is a surgery done right the first time. If the price seems way too good to be true, they might be cutting corners on things like qualified staff or using a less-than-ideal facility.

10) Happy Patient Reviews

Do your homework! Read online reviews and see what other patients have to say about their experience. Even better, ask your surgeon for a few references. Chat with those patients and see what they liked (or didn’t like) about their experience. This will really help you decide if they’re the right surgeon for you.

Finalizing Your Decision

Finding a plastic surgeon who offers all of the qualities outlined above may seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, Dr. Mark Markarian is a model of excellence for each of these key factors. 

As a specialist in facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, body contouring, and other procedures, Dr. Markarian uses the latest cutting-edge techniques to ensure that his Boston and Miami patients are satisfied with the results of their surgeries. As a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon and a member of the ASPS, Dr. Markarian holds himself to the most rigorous set of standards when operating his plastic surgery practice.