What Should I Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon?

Plastic surgery is an important decision that creates a permanent change in the body and quality of life. For this reason, the most critical step before any procedure is choosing the right plastic surgeon. An aesthetic operation is not only a technical intervention; the surgeon’s knowledge, experience, academic background, ethical approach, and the standards of the clinic directly affect both safety and outcome quality.

Many patients try to choose a surgeon based on social media before–after photos; however, a truly safe and correct decision requires a deeper and more scientific evaluation. The right surgeon is essential not only for achieving a beautiful result, but also for reducing complication risks, ensuring a safe surgical process, and achieving stable long-term outcomes.

In this article, we explain what to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon, using a scientific, objective, and patient-friendly approach.

Verify the Surgeon’s Official Qualifications

The first step in evaluating a plastic surgeon is verifying official education and certification. Plastic surgery requires long and multi-stage training; therefore, titles and certifications are strong indicators of competence.

Documents that should be checked include:

• Certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist qualification
• International board certifications (such as FACS, FEBOPRAS)
• Recognized academic titles (Associate Professor, Professor)
• Membership in respected international societies (such as ASPS, ISAPS)
• Working in a legally authorized and officially approved medical facility

These credentials show that the surgeon has undergone comprehensive training not only in aesthetic surgery but also in complex reconstructive and tissue surgery.
 Simply put: certifications form the foundation of patient safety.

Evaluate the Surgeon’s Experience and Field of Expertise

Not every plastic surgeon has the same level of experience in every type of operation. Some may be more focused on body contouring, while others may specialize in breast aesthetics, facial surgery, or combined procedures.

Important points when assessing experience:

• The procedures the surgeon performs most frequently
• Specific fields of expertise
• Experience with combined surgeries
• Case diversity in high-attention procedures such as liposuction, BBL, and tummy tuck
• Experience with post-pregnancy aesthetic surgeries

A surgeon’s field of experience directly influences the final result. A surgeon who frequently performs a specific procedure naturally achieves higher consistency and reliability in outcomes.

Review Before–After Photos and Videos Carefully

Results shared on social media or websites are valuable references, but they must be evaluated correctly.

What to pay attention to:

• Photos should be real and consistent
• Same angle and proper lighting should be used
• Real patient results with clear explanations are preferable
• Different body types should be represented
• Results should appear natural and proportional

Over-filtered, unrealistic, or selectively presented only “best results” can be misleading. The most reliable surgeons share genuine, consistent, and natural outcomes across a wide range of patients.

Communication Quality with the Surgeon Matters

Communication is as important as surgical skill. Feeling safe and understood has a major positive effect on both the preoperative journey and postoperative recovery.

A good surgeon:

• Answers questions clearly and patiently
• Sets realistic expectations
• Explains procedures medically and transparently
• Does not pressure the patient into rushed decisions
• Clearly explains both the surgical and recovery process

If communication does not feel comfortable, something essential is missing. Surgery should be built on trust and strong communication.

Assess Clinic Infrastructure and Operating Room Standards

The safety of an aesthetic procedure depends not only on the surgeon but also on the clinical environment and operating room infrastructure.

Key elements to check:

• Is the operating room fully equipped?
• Is there an anesthesiologist present?
• Is the clinic officially authorized by the Ministry of Health?
• Are sterilization protocols strictly applied?
• Is there preparation for emergency or intensive care needs if necessary?

This is especially crucial for major surgeries such as tummy tuck, combined procedures, or Lipo 360 + BBL, where a qualified multidisciplinary team is essential.

Postoperative Follow-Up System Must Be Strong

One of the most important indicators of quality is postoperative care. Plastic surgery does not end when the patient leaves the operating room; the healing phase is just as important.

An effective follow-up system should include:

• Regular follow-up appointments
• Close monitoring of recovery
• Personalized recovery protocols
• Non-invasive supportive treatments when necessary (Quantum RF, lymphatic drainage, medical care)
• Easy accessibility in case of concerns

Even a beautiful surgical result can become stressful if the follow-up system is weak. A strong postoperative support structure is essential.

The Surgeon’s Aesthetic Philosophy Should Match Yours

Every surgeon has a unique aesthetic perspective. Do you want a very natural appearance? Sharper contours? A more athletic look? If your expectations and the surgeon’s aesthetic mindset do not align, even technically successful surgery may not feel satisfying.

Therefore:

• Review previous patient results
• Observe the surgeon’s aesthetic style
• Explain your expectations clearly

In aesthetic surgery, “beautiful results” are subjective; the “right surgeon” is the one aligned with your expectations.

Surgeons Who Set Realistic Expectations Are the Most Trustworthy

If a surgeon promises “perfect guaranteed results,” this is a warning sign.

A trustworthy surgeon:

• Clearly explains real risks
• Emphasizes that results vary by patient
• Objectively evaluates skin quality, body structure, and anatomy
• Promises realistic, not exaggerated outcomes

Healthy expectation management is one of the strongest indicators of a responsible surgeon.

Price Should Not Be the Only Decision Factor

Aesthetic surgery costs vary depending on many factors: surgeon experience, clinical standards, technology used, surgery duration, and scope. It is natural to compare prices; however, cost should never be the only deciding factor. Lower pricing may sometimes mean compromises in safety, facility quality, or team expertise.

The correct approach is: Evaluate competence first — then consider price.

Physician Information

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sedat Tatar is a Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery specialist who is Double Board Certified by two international boards. He holds the titles of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS).

His international professional memberships include ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

His clinic is located in Istanbul and is officially authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health as a Health Tourism Center. His company is registered in the United Kingdom & Wales.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone No : +90 (555) 100 10 83
Contact Link : [email protected]
Address : Levent District, Karanfil Araligi Street No: 18 Besiktas/ISTANBUL