Slick marketing hides real skill

A provider can hire great photographers and run ads while having limited experience with your procedure. Clinical credentials rarely show up on the landing page.

“Cosmetic medicine is one of the few areas of healthcare where marketing budget and clinical skill are often unrelated.”

Board certification matters most

Any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures in the US. Check if they're certified by a board requiring training in that specific area, like the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

“The term 'cosmetic surgeon' on its own means very little.”

Permanent procedures need more vetting

Filler wears off in months if you're unhappy. Surgical changes to your face do not. The more permanent the outcome, the more vetting matters.

Request cases beyond the highlight reel

Ask to see cases similar to yours, including good but not dramatic results. A confident provider will have these ready. Vague responses are a warning sign.

Watch for these red flags

Same-day booking pressure, no discussion of risks, evasive answers about certification, or every question leading to a pricier upsell all signal trouble.

Ask these questions before booking

Confirm board certification for the specific procedure, ask how many they've performed, discuss realistic risks, and learn what happens if you're unhappy with results.

“A good consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch.”

Price tells you almost nothing

Two providers charging different amounts aren't offering the same thing. Training, experience, and judgment don't show up in a quote but make all the difference in your result.