Top Tips for Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon in India

 What to Look For When Selecting a Plastic Surgeon in India

1. Introduction

• Briefly define “plastic surgery” vs “cosmetic surgery” (this helps clarify what you’re choosing).
• Why choosing the right plastic surgeon matters: safety, results, complications, long-term effects.

2. Key Qualifications & Certifications

• Medical degree (MBBS) + General Surgery MS/DNB + Super-specialization in Plastic Surgery (M.Ch or DNB in Plastic Surgery).

• Membership of professional bodies: Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (IAAPS), Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI).

• Checking registration with medical councils (e.g. state medical councils / National Medical Commission).

3. Experience & Specialization

• Ask: How many years have they practiced? How many times have they done your specific procedure? (e.g. rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction).

• Look at before-and-after photos of similar cases. Helps assess aesthetic style and consistency.

• Specialization matters: some surgeons focus more on reconstructive, others cosmetic; some may be better with facial vs body vs gender-affirming surgeries.

4. Facility & Safety Standards

• Is the operating facility accredited? (NABH, JCI, etc.)

• ICU / emergency backup, anesthesia standards, sterile conditions.

• What equipment, what technology do they use (modern tools can matter).

• Cleanliness, staff competence, whether the clinic/hospital is well-resourced.

5. Consultation & Communication

• How well the surgeon listens: do they understand your goals, concerns, lifestyle, and anatomy?

• Are they transparent about risks, what can & cannot be achieved? Do they set realistic expectations?

• Do they show you detailed plans, simulations (if available), and before/after galleries?

• How accessible are they for follow-ups? What is the post-operative care like?

6. Cost & Value

• Be wary of very low costs: sometimes low price means cutting corners.

• Ask for a detailed cost breakdown: surgeon fee + facility + anesthesia + post-op care + possible follow-ups.

• Compare several quotes but don’t let cost be the only deciding factor.

7. Reputation & Reviews

• Speak to past patients, seek referrals.

• Read online reviews (with caution) — forums, Google, RealSelf, Practo etc.

• Ask to see before/after images, possibly contact previous patients to ask their honest experience.

8. Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Surgeon uses titles like “cosmetic surgeon” without plastic surgery qualifications.

• Pushy sales tactics (“book now”, big discounts) rather than letting you take time.

• No clarity about risks / refusing to show past examples.

• Non-accredited facility or clinic with poor cleanliness.

• Surgeon unavailable or not involved in follow up.

9. Legal & Ethical Considerations

• Informed consent: everything about the procedure, risks, results should be documented.

• Transparency around possible complications and how they would be handled.

• Privacy, safety, ethical practices (no over-promising).

10. Case Study / Real Example (Optional)

• Perhaps include 1-2 short case studies of patients who did this research and how it shaped their decision.

• Or a story where someone went with cheaper option and had bad outcome to warn readers.

11. Conclusion

• Summarize a checklist: Credentials ✓, Experience in procedure ✓, Facility & Safety ✓, Communication & Transparency ✓, Reputation & Reviews ✓, Cost & Realistic Expectations ✓.

• Encourage not rushing; taking consultations; listening to your gut feeling.

• Suggest using resources: APSI, IAAPS websites, medical council listings etc.