Haute MD is a curated directory of board-certified physicians across six specialties, independently reviewed and editorially featured by Haute Living.

How are Haute MD doctors selected?

Every Haute MD physician is editorially vetted by the Haute Living editorial team based on credentials, patient outcomes, and professional reputation.

What specialties does Haute MD cover?

Haute MD features physicians in Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dermatology, Fertility, and Concierge Medicine.

Should I take notes during my consultation?

Yes — or bring a trusted second person. Consultations cover a lot of information and decisions made later are better when grounded in written notes.

How long should a consultation last?

45-60 minutes with the surgeon, not just a coordinator.

Is asking about complication rates rude?

No. Experienced surgeons track outcomes and discuss them honestly.

Can I record the consultation?

Most surgeons allow it if you ask permission. Recording supplements notes for complex procedures.

How long is a dermatology consultation?

20-45 minutes; cosmetic consultations often longer.

Should I bring photos?

Yes — photos of changes over time, plus medication and allergy lists.

Is it okay to ask about price?

Yes, especially for cosmetic procedures. Request a written quote.

Should I get a second opinion?

Yes when a diagnosis is unclear or a treatment plan feels uncertain.

Is it safe to get Botox and fillers at a medical spa?

Medical spas vary widely in quality and oversight. The critical factor is who is performing the injections — a board-certified physician, a physician-supervised NP or PA with extensive experience, or a minimally trained provider. Always confirm the injector's specific training and credentials, not just the practice's medical director credentials.

What is the difference between Botox and fillers?

Botox (and other neurotoxins) relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles. Fillers restore volume and smooth static lines. They treat different concerns and are often used together in a comprehensive injectable plan.

How do I know if an injector is experienced?

Ask how many injection patients they personally treat per week and how long they have been injecting. Request to see at least 10-20 before-and-after photos of their own patients. Natural-looking, consistent results across multiple patients indicate genuine expertise.

What should I avoid telling an injector to do?

Avoid directing an injector to use amounts or placements that feel inappropriate to them professionally. An experienced injector may push back on requests for excessive filler volume — this is a sign of good clinical judgment, not inadequacy.

How long should facelift before-and-after photos be taken post-op?

Ask to see photos taken at 6-12 months post-operatively — not just early dramatic comparisons showing swelling reduction. Long-term results at 12+ months show the true quality and longevity of the technique.

Should I choose the deep plane facelift over a SMAS facelift?

This depends on your anatomy, degree of aging, and the surgeon's skill set. Deep plane facelifts produce more natural, longer-lasting results in most patients — but the technique requires advanced training and not all surgeons perform it. A highly skilled SMAS facelift by an expert may produce better results than a deep plane facelift by a less experienced surgeon.

Is it worth traveling to see a facelift specialist?

For a deep plane facelift or complex case, traveling to see a subspecialist with high facelift volume and consistently natural results is often worthwhile. The difference between an excellent and a mediocre facelift result can be dramatic and difficult to correct.

What is the right age for a facelift consultation?

Most surgeons first see facelift consultation patients in their 40s-60s, though results are individual. There is no absolute right age — a consultation is appropriate whenever facial laxity is concerning to you and non-surgical options are no longer producing adequate improvement.

What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty uses a small columellar incision allowing direct visualization. Closed rhinoplasty hides incisions inside the nose. Both produce excellent results in skilled hands; the choice depends on anatomy and goals.

When will I see final rhinoplasty results?

Most swelling resolves by 6 months; final refinement continues for 12-18 months.

What is the rhinoplasty revision rate?

Industry-wide revision rates range from 5-15%. Surgeons with focused rhinoplasty practices often report lower rates.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Most patients describe pressure and stuffiness rather than significant pain. Pain is well controlled with prescribed medication for the first few days.

Should I avoid wearing makeup to a facial consultation?

Yes for facial procedures. The surgeon needs to evaluate your unaltered face.

Comfortable clothing that allows examination of the area being discussed. Bring or wear undergarments suitable for body photos if needed.

Do I need to bring my insurance card?

Yes if any portion of the procedure may be medically indicated (e.g., functional rhinoplasty, breast reduction).

Should I fast before a consultation?

No — consultations do not require fasting.

How long should I wait before scheduling surgery?

At minimum 2 weeks. This protects you from decisions made under sales pressure.

What if I felt rushed?

Schedule another consultation, ideally with a different surgeon, before committing.

Should I tell the surgeon I am considering other consultations?

Yes — reputable surgeons expect and respect this.

How many opinions should I get?

2-3 for most elective procedures; 4-5 for revision cases or complex situations.

What should I do if I feel uncomfortable during a consultation?

Trust your instincts. You are never obligated to proceed with a provider who makes you feel uncomfortable, dismissed, or pressured. Thank them for their time and seek consultations elsewhere. A good physician-patient relationship requires mutual respect and comfort.

Is it a red flag if a physician does not recommend the procedure I requested?

Not necessarily. A surgeon who recommends a different approach than what you requested — and can explain their clinical reasoning clearly — is demonstrating good judgment. A surgeon who simply agrees with everything you say without clinical evaluation is exhibiting a more concerning behavior.

What if the consent form contains language different from what I was told?

This is a serious red flag. Read all consent documents carefully before signing. If any language contradicts what you were told verbally, ask for clarification in writing before proceeding. Do not sign documentation you do not understand or agree with.

Should I get a second opinion after a consultation?

For any significant elective procedure, yes. A second consultation is not rude — it is responsible. Reputable physicians expect and respect patients who seek multiple opinions before committing to surgery.

Doctor Selection · Haute MD Network

What to Ask at a Medical Consultation

The questions patients wish they had asked — organized by specialty and situation.

Plain-language answers written by the Haute MD editorial team and reviewed by board-certified specialists.