Your decision will show on your face. Here's how to get it right.
The decision to have facial plastic surgery done is rarely impulsive. Most patients spend months, sometimes years, weighing the pros and cons, saving money, scrolling through before-and-afters, and Googling everything from recovery timelines to anesthesia risks. But even after all that research, many still miss the most critical piece: choosing the right plastic surgeon.
Credentials, aesthetics, communication style, facility safety—these aren’t just details. They’re dealbreakers. And while every surgeon's website promises "natural results" and "personalized care," it takes more than good marketing to earn your trust.
This guide is for the skeptical, the over-researchers, and the ones who know that a bad haircut grows out, but surgery does not.
Let’s start with the basics. Any licensed physician can technically call themselves a "cosmetic surgeon," even if they have zero formal training in surgery. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon has completed extensive residency training, passed rigorous exams, and stays current through continuing education. You can verify credentials through the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).
If a surgeon isn't certified by the ABFPRS or another equivalent board, keep looking.
Facial surgery is different from body surgery. Breast augmentation requires a different skill set than rhinoplasty. Ask if the surgeon has fellowship training or routinely performs the procedure you're considering. Volume counts.
Just because someone is all over Instagram doesn’t mean they’re qualified. Influencer status isn’t a substitute for credentials, training, or experience. Always dig deeper.
Your surgeon’s aesthetic should match your own. Don’t just look at dramatic transformations—look for consistency. Do the results still look like the same person? Are scars hidden? Is there a pattern of overly tight skin or loss of facial character?
There’s a difference between a refreshed appearance and a surgical look. Choose a surgeon whose work reflects balance, harmony, and restraint. Overfilled cheeks and stretched skin don’t age well.
Ask if they offer newer techniques, like deep plane facelifts or preservation rhinoplasty. Surgeons who are active in research or teaching tend to stay on the cutting edge—without chasing every passing trend.
Five-star Google reviews are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story. Look at real patient testimonials, before-and-after galleries, and long-term results. Do patients return for future procedures? Would they refer a close friend?
Surgeons who are trusted by peers are often the ones other doctors send their families to. If your primary care doctor or dermatologist has a recommendation, take it seriously.
Check your state medical board for any disciplinary actions or malpractice history. It's not paranoia—it's due diligence.
Your consultation should feel like a two-way conversation, not a sales pitch. A good surgeon will ask about your goals, lifestyle, timeline, and concerns. They’ll explain what’s realistic and what’s not.
Ask about revision rates, possible complications, and downtime. If they brush off your concerns or get defensive, it’s not a good sign.
Surgeries should only be performed in accredited facilities with up-to-date equipment and emergency protocols. If the practice operates out of an office suite, ask about their certifications.
General anesthesia should be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. You have the right to know who will be monitoring you during surgery.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Lowball pricing may indicate shortcuts in safety, experience, or post-op care. Be skeptical of "discounts" that come with pressure to book fast.
Make sure the quote includes:
Ask about payment plans or financing partners. Avoid practices that ask for full cash payment up front or push you toward third-party lenders with high interest rates.
If your gut says no, trust it.
If you're a parent, business owner, or caregiver, your downtime window matters. Your surgeon should help you plan around your schedule, not guilt you for having one.
Great surgeons will tell you how weight changes, pregnancy, or aging will affect your results down the line. Transparency now saves disappointment later.
If you’re not quite ready for surgery, a trustworthy surgeon will say so, and may suggest temporary or less invasive options.
Would you feel good sending someone you love to this surgeon? If not, don’t go. A good surgeon wants to earn your trust, not demand it.
Still deciding? That’s a good thing. The best decisions aren’t rushed. You only get one face - ask the questions. Take your time. And don’t settle until every answer makes sense.
Dr. Farrior is so much more than a doctor – he’s an artist. Dr. Farrior has the right medical knowledge and the artistic vision needed to create harmony among his patients’ facial features. He truly listens to his patients and is always open to their concerns.
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