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.

Can any doctor call themselves a plastic surgeon?

Yes — "plastic surgeon" and "cosmetic surgeon" are not legally protected terms in most states. Any licensed physician can use these titles regardless of their specialty training. This is why verifying ABPS board certification directly is essential before surgery.

What is the difference between ABPS and ABCS?

ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery) is the only ABMS-recognized board for plastic surgery, requiring a full plastic surgery residency. ABCS (American Board of Cosmetic Surgery) is not ABMS-recognized and has less rigorous training requirements. Always look for ABPS certification.

What if my surgeon is a facial plastic surgeon?

Facial plastic surgeons may be certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), whose members hold either ABPS or American Board of Otolaryngology certification. Both are rigorous and legitimate credentials for facial procedures.

Is board certification the only credential I should check?

Board certification is the most important baseline credential, but also verify hospital privileges at an accredited facility, fellowship training in your specific procedure area, and review a portfolio of before-and-after results from the surgeon's own patients.

How long should a plastic surgery consultation take?

A thorough initial consultation should take 30-60 minutes. Brief consultations that don't allow time for your history, examination, and questions are a red flag. You should never feel rushed.

Should I bring photos to my consultation?

Yes. Bring reference photos of results you admire — from the surgeon's own portfolio if possible. Also bring photos that show what you want to avoid. Concrete visual references help the surgeon understand your aesthetic goals far better than verbal descriptions alone.

Is it rude to ask about a surgeon's complication rate?

Not at all — it is essential. Experienced surgeons track their outcomes and discuss complications honestly. Evasive answers about complication rates are a significant red flag.

Can I record my consultation?

Ask the surgeon's permission before recording. Most surgeons will allow it. Recording is helpful for reviewing information afterward, as consultations involve a great deal of detail that is difficult to remember completely.

Can surgeons show stock photos or photos from other surgeons?

Reputable surgeons show only their own patients. Ask directly: "Are all of these photos from your own patients?" If a surgeon cannot confirm this or shows generic stock images, that is a significant red flag.

What if a surgeon says they don't show before-and-after photos due to privacy?

Surgeons can show anonymized photos (cropping the face for body procedures or showing only relevant anatomy). Inability to provide any before-and-after documentation is a significant red flag that warrants seeking consultations elsewhere.

Are social media before-and-after photos reliable?

Social media results may be selectively curated and taken at variable timepoints. They are useful for initial impressions but not a substitute for a comprehensive consultation portfolio. Ask to see additional cases in person at your consultation.

What is a "cherry-picked" result and why does it matter?

A cherry-picked result is one of the surgeon's best outcomes, shown to represent typical results when it is actually exceptional. Seeing a large volume of cases — including moderate cases, not just ideal ones — is the best protection against being misled by cherry-picked results.

Can a cosmetic surgeon get good results?

Some physicians performing cosmetic procedures under various titles are highly skilled. However, without verified ABPS or ABFPRS certification, there is no standardized external verification of their training and competency. The risk of variability is significantly higher.

Is a "cosmetic dermatologist" qualified for surgical procedures?

Board-certified dermatologists are highly qualified for injectable treatments (Botox, fillers), laser procedures, and skin-related surgeries (Mohs surgery, excisions). They are not trained in surgical procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, or breast augmentation. Procedure appropriateness depends on the specific treatment.

What questions should I ask to verify surgical training?

Ask directly: "Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?" and "Where did you complete your plastic surgery residency?" A surgeon who deflects these questions or emphasizes alternative credentials over ABPS certification warrants significant caution.

Does specialty matter for non-surgical procedures?

For injectables and laser treatments, both board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons are appropriate providers. For surgical procedures, ABPS or ABFPRS certification is the appropriate standard.

Is it safe to have surgery in a doctor's office?

Office-based surgery is safe when the facility is properly accredited, the surgeon is board certified, anesthesia is administered by a qualified provider, and emergency protocols are in place. An unaccredited office suite with no external oversight represents meaningful additional risk.

What is AAAASF accreditation?

The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities is the leading accreditation body for outpatient surgical facilities. AAAASF-accredited facilities have passed rigorous inspections confirming they meet patient safety standards for equipment, staffing, and emergency preparedness.

Should I choose a surgeon who has hospital privileges?

Yes — hospital privileges indicate that a credentialing committee at an accredited hospital has reviewed the surgeon's training, competency, and outcomes and approved them to operate there. Even for procedures performed in office suites, hospital privileges are a meaningful external quality indicator.

Can I visit the surgical facility before my procedure?

Yes, and you should. Ask to see the operating room during your consultation or pre-operative visit. A well-equipped, clean, professional facility demonstrates the practice's investment in patient safety.

Is it disrespectful to consult with multiple surgeons?

Absolutely not. Reputable surgeons expect and respect that patients seek multiple opinions for significant elective procedures. Any surgeon who discourages second opinions or pressures you to commit quickly is exhibiting a significant red flag.

Can I consult with the same surgeon multiple times?

Yes. For complex procedures or significant concerns, scheduling a second consultation with the same surgeon after you have had time to formulate additional questions is entirely reasonable and encouraged by most surgeons.

How much do consultations cost?

Many plastic surgery consultations are complimentary. Others charge $100-$500, often credited toward the procedure fee. Do not choose a surgeon primarily to avoid a consultation fee — the cost of an inappropriate procedure far exceeds any consultation charge.

What should I bring to my consultations?

Photo ID, list of current medications and supplements, medical history summary, reference photos of results you admire and results you want to avoid, and a list of prepared questions. Taking notes during each consultation makes comparison easier.

Is a low price ever legitimate?

New surgeons building a practice or surgeons in lower cost-of-living markets may have lower fees than established surgeons in major metropolitan areas. Context matters. However, prices dramatically below the local market for a given procedure nearly always reflect a trade-off somewhere — experience, facility, materials, or time.

Should I trust online reviews when choosing a surgeon?

Online reviews are one data point among many. Look for consistent themes across many reviews rather than individual outliers. Be aware that reviews can be manipulated. The most reliable information comes from direct referrals from patients you know personally.

What if a surgeon seems rushed during the consultation?

A rushed consultation where the surgeon does not adequately examine you or answer your questions is a legitimate red flag — regardless of their credentials. A surgeon's behavior during the consultation reflects how they manage patient care overall.

Should I be concerned if a surgeon recommends more procedures than I asked about?

Context matters. A surgeon who identifies additional concerns you had not considered and explains their reasoning educationally is doing their job. A surgeon who aggressively upsells additional procedures without adequate explanation is exhibiting concerning behavior.

How reliable are "Top Doctor" or "Best Of" awards?

Many "top doctor" designations are based on peer voting surveys, online reputation scores, or advertising. Castle Connolly and U.S. News peer nominations are more rigorous. These designations are one data point — they do not substitute for direct credential verification and portfolio evaluation.

Is social media following a reliable indicator of surgical skill?

No. Social media presence reflects marketing investment, not surgical skill or outcomes consistency. Surgeons with large followings may or may not be superior to those with smaller presences. Evaluate results directly, not follower counts.

Should I choose a surgeon at a major academic medical center?

Academic medical centers offer highly trained faculty surgeons but also involve surgical trainees. For complex reconstructive or oncological cases, academic centers provide important resources. For elective cosmetic procedures, a highly experienced private practice surgeon may offer more consistent personal attention.

How do I find a Haute MD plastic surgeon near me?

Visit hauteliving.com/hautemd/plastic-surgery to find board-certified plastic surgeons featured in the Haute MD network across major US markets including New York, Miami, Beverly Hills, and Chicago.

Doctor Selection · Haute MD Network

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon

What to look for, what questions to ask, and what red flags to avoid — written by the Haute MD editorial team.

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