Dr. Richard Moore
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, MD, FACS
Choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision in your cosmetic journey. Here's your checklist: 1) Board certification—look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). "Board-certified" alone isn't enough; it must be in plastic surgery. 2) Before-and-after photos—review extensive galleries of patients similar to you (age, body type, desired results). Look for consistency in results. 3) Hospital privileges—a surgeon should have privileges at an accredited hospital for the procedure they're performing, even if operating at a surgery center. 4) Experience with YOUR specific procedure—ask how many they perform per year. You want someone who does your procedure regularly, not occasionally. 5) Consultation quality—did they listen to your goals, set realistic expectations, explain risks, and make you feel comfortable (not pressured)? Red flags: heavy discounting, high-pressure sales, claiming to be a "specialist" without board certification, and refusing to discuss complications. Consult with at least 2-3 surgeons before making your decision.