When evaluating plastic surgeons via the internet start by verifying their board certification. In the United States, you must confirm their certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery. Alternate boards may claim legitimacy, but they do not provide the same rigorous training. You can confirm credentials through the ABPS online verification portal.

Next, thoroughly examine the surgeon’s education and training history—look for information on their accredited medical program, residency program, مرجع معرفی بهترین پزشکان and advanced subspecialty programs. A qualified plastic surgeon typically completes 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 later took short cosmetic courses.

Check their experience with the specific procedure you’re considering. Not all plastic surgeons specialize in every type of surgery. Others specialize in facial rejuvenation, others excel in post-weight-loss body shaping, or reconstructive work. Look for a surgeon who performs your desired procedure regularly and has a documented history of success. Reviewing real-case imagery shows their aesthetic ability, but confirm they are unaltered and genuinely theirs.

Read patient reviews and testimonials carefully. Look for consistency across platforms such as RealSelf, Google, Healthgrades, and Yelp. Focus on in-depth feedback that mention how they explain procedures, assist during healing, and deliver results. Avoid clinics with universally perfect ratings or a suspiciously uniform 5-star trend and no mention of drawbacks.

Verify their practice credentials and facility standards. Confirm they use certified surgical centers. 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. Avoid surgeons who operate in unlicensed settings such as private homes.

Verify their affiliation with recognized medical associations. Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery signals dedication to professional standards and lifelong learning. They enforce strict eligibility criteria, and mandate continuous board certification and abide by professional conduct standards.

Finally, schedule a consultation. Most reputable providers provide affordable or complimentary initial visits. Take advantage of the opportunity to inquire about the procedure details, potential complications, and healing timeline. Evaluate their communication style and empathy. An ethical provider will never rush you and will be honest regarding possible complications, healing duration, and achievable results. Follow your intuition—if the experience doesn’t feel right, don’t settle. Your well-being and results hinge on selecting a qualified expert.