Buyer guide
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon: A 2026 Buyer's Checklist
To choose a safe plastic surgeon, verify board certification on the ABPS or ABFPRS directory, confirm fellowship training specific to your procedure, check the operating facility is accredited, review before-and-after results and recent reviews, and get a clear written quote.
Source: Best Plastic Surgeons Report, June 2026Facial surgery is permanent and unforgiving, so the same diligence you apply to any major medical decision applies here — and then some.
Verify board certification
Confirm the surgeon on the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) directory — not just the practice website.
Match fellowship to procedure
For FFS, prioritize craniofacial or FFS-specific fellowship training. For facelift, ask about true deep plane technique. For revision rhinoplasty, ask about documented revision volume.
Check the facility
Confirm the operating facility is accredited (AAAASF, AAAHC or state-licensed) and that anesthesia is delivered by a qualified provider.
Study real results
Review before-and-after galleries of patients with similar anatomy, and read the last 12 months of reviews — not just the lifetime average.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between ABPS and ABFPRS?
ABPS certifies plastic surgeons broadly; ABFPRS certifies surgeons focused on the face and neck. Both are recognized — verify whichever applies on the issuing board's directory.
Is cosmetic surgery covered by insurance?
Cosmetic facial surgery is generally out-of-network and cash-pay. Reconstructive or functional procedures may be partially covered with documentation.