If you are reading this, chances are that you are considering plastic surgery. This can be a very exciting time with lots to look forward to, but as you may have already found, it also requires a fair amount of research and thought. In fact, the world of plastic surgery is so vast, that your desired result may be possible through several procedure options. 

If this is the case — and it often is —  you’ll likely need to consult with a reputable plastic surgeon on which type of procedure is best for you. However, not all plastic surgeons are alike in skill, expertise, or experience. Like any other industry professional, there are countless physicians for you to choose from. It’s likely that some are better fits for you than others — and finding the right plastic surgeon requires doing your homework. 

What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon

Reviews and testimonials are a great way to learn more about any plastic surgeon you might be working with. Often, they even include helpful “before and after” photographs so that you can see your surgeon’s skills at work. Other times, patient testimonials outline their specific experience and how they felt in the process. This can also be very helpful, as undergoing surgery can be a stressful or frightening experience for many, and it’s reassuring to know you are in good hands. 

That being said, reviews should not be the only tool you want to use in your research. Though they are crucial — we absolutely recommend you scour the reviews of any clinician you’re considering working with — it’s also important to thoroughly read their website and review their credentials. 

If your head is swimming from reading too many plastic surgery reviews, we’re here to help ease some of the stress. We’ve broken down some of the important things to look out for when reading plastic surgeon reviews — and what to avoid as well:

What to Look For

• Actual Reviews

As we mentioned, reviews are your friend! Be sure to read all the reviews on your potential surgeon’s webpage, particularly in the area where you are planning to have work done. Check Google, Yelp, and other external reviews as well. Get as much information as you can from as many sources as possible. If you can speak to anybody who has left a review, that’s even better.

• The Right Training and Qualifications

This is key — cosmetic procedures require a great deal of expertise and training. We recommend that any doctor you consider calls themselves a physician or plastic surgeon— other terms such as “cosmetic surgeon” do not denote the same level of training. We recommend you choose a plastic surgeon who has been board certified by the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery). 

• Photos Showing Results

Seeing is believing. It’s very helpful to view photos or videos of patients who have undergone your preferred procedure. Often, you can find these on your physician’s website — if you don’t see any, ask! It will help you get a better idea of the results produced by your potential surgeon. 

• Experience

When looking for a plastic surgeon, search for those who have plenty of experience in the industry. Most surgeons list their relevant work history and education on their websites. Have a look and then do a bit of research on what you find. If you don’t see any credentials or , that could be a red flag. 

• Honesty and Trust

Trust is important in any relationship, especially the one you have with your doctor. Your physician should be upfront and honest about everything involved in your surgery— especially more “uncomfortable” topics like price, potential risks, and how painful the procedure will be. We highly recommend you meet your plastic surgeon in person for a consultation before booking any procedures. If you get a bad feeling, listen to your gut. If you get a good feeling, that’s great— time to proceed! 

• Information About the Facility Itself 

Your plastic surgeon may be a fantastic doctor, but if they are working in an outdated or chaotic facility, you still may not have the best experience. Research the facility where you would be having your surgery, and learn about the equipment used, and most importantly, which accreditation(s) they hold.

What to Avoid

• Tight Lips

A good plastic surgeon is proud of their work and wants to show potential patients how great their results can be. If it’s impossible to find information about a plastic surgeon, it might be worth looking at other options. 

• Dodgy Sounding Certifications

As we outlined before, it is crucial that your physician be board certified and appropriately retained to perform plastic surgery. To avoid an uncertified clinician, it helps to use resources like the American Board of Plastic Surgery website. There, you can search for a local, board-certified surgeon, as well as check the status of one you are considering.

• Sparse or Negative Reviews

Everybody has a different opinion, and we imagine that even the best surgeons get an occasional less-than-enthused review. However, that should be an incredibly rare occurrence. If Google, Yelp, or other reviewing services are showing multiple negative experiences, we suggest that you keep looking. It’s just not worth it. 

• The Term “Cosmetic Surgeon”

Though those who call themselves cosmetic surgeons are real doctors, they are not plastic surgeons, nor are they board certified. This term is often used by doctors who can perform a few cosmetic procedures, but do not have the actual training or certification to use the term “plastic surgeon.” 

• An Instagram-Only Presence

Your preferred plastic surgeon can definitely have a social media following— who doesn’t these days? However, that shouldn’t be the only resource you can find for them. Look for a plastic surgeon who has a full website which outlines the procedures they offer and gives information about their credentials. 

Who are the Best Plastic Surgeons in Houston?

Reviews don’t lie: at Look Younger,  Dr. Leo Lapuerta is beloved by his Texas patients—  and they are happy to shout it from the rooftops! Dr. Lapuerta is consistently rated amongst the top plastic surgeon reviews for his 20+ year expertise, caring nature, and flawless results, time and time again. Have a look at our plastic surgery testimony page: all of our reviews have been written by our own patients and can be sorted by surgery type and date, making it easy for patients to find information most relevant to their needs. 

Once you’ve had a look at our results, testimonials, and services, it’s time to get in touch with our team. Give us a call at 713-489-0169 to speak with our staff and book an in-person consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, where you can discuss your options and address all your questions and concerns. 

 

We’re looking forward to meeting you and helping you reach your goals!