Written By: Amanda Cummings
Plastic surgery is more than just a procedure—it’s an investment in yourself. Whether you’re considering a facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or body contouring, the most important decision isn’t just what you want to enhance—it’s who you trust to do it.
With social media making it easier than ever to find plastic surgeons advertising their work, it’s easy to assume that all providers have the proper training. The reality? They don’t. Any doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery—even without formal plastic surgery training.
But here’s where it gets concerning: there are certain red flags that many patients don’t notice until it’s too late. 🚩 Some may even shock you. From questionable credentials to unrealistic promises, knowing what to look for—and what to avoid—can mean the difference between a safe, successful outcome and serious complications.
What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
One of the most crucial distinctions in plastic surgery is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a board-certified plastic surgeon—a difference that impacts both your safety and your results.
While many doctors offer cosmetic treatments, not all have the specialized surgical training required to perform complex plastic surgery procedures. The term “cosmetic surgeon” is not a recognized medical specialty, yet any licensed doctor—regardless of their background—can legally use the title if they choose to offer aesthetic procedures. This means a provider without formal plastic surgery training could be performing invasive cosmetic treatments like facelifts, liposuction, fat transfers, or breast augmentation. Many patients don’t realize the critical difference until it’s too late.
A board-certified plastic surgeon, on the other hand, undergoes years of rigorous surgical training, hands-on experience, and extensive board examinations to develop the skill and precision needed for specialized procedures. Cosmetic surgeons may have only completed short-term training courses rather than years of comprehensive, hands-on surgical training.
This distinction isn’t just about a title—it’s about safety, expertise, and trust. Plastic surgery requires an in-depth understanding of anatomy, surgical precision, and a commitment to long-term patient care. Choosing the right provider isn’t just about getting the results you want—it’s about ensuring your health and well-being are in expert hands.
Why Board Certification Matters:
First and foremost, your surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)—the gold standard in plastic surgery. This certification ensures that a surgeon has undergone comprehensive training in plastic and reconstructive procedures and meets the highest standards for patient safety, surgical skill, and ethical practice.
A board-certified plastic surgeon is uniquely trained to handle complex procedures, minimize risks, and deliver results that are both safe and natural-looking. If you’re considering surgery, don’t just take their word for it—verify their certification. You can search their name on the official ABPS website to confirm their credentials.
If they’re not listed, 🚩 ask why. Your safety should never be compromised.
Where Will Your Surgery Be Performed?
The location of your surgery matters just as much as the doctor performing it. A reputable plastic surgeon operates in a fully accredited surgical facility, meaning it meets strict safety, sanitation, and emergency protocol standards.
Some providers cut costs by performing surgery in non-certified office spaces, which may lack proper equipment, safety measures, or emergency protocols.
At Corpus Plastic Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Vijay operates in a fully accredited, private surgical suite, ensuring patients receive the highest level of safety, privacy, and personalized care.
Do They Have Hospital Privileges?
A board-certified plastic surgeon should have hospital privileges, meaning they are qualified to perform surgery in accredited hospitals. If a surgeon does not have hospital privileges, it may be because they failed to meet the hospital’s qualifications for competency and patient safety.
If something were to go wrong during a procedure, would your surgeon have the ability to provide immediate, high-level care? If a doctor can’t provide proof of their hospital privileges… 🚩. It’s worth questioning whether they are the right choice.
How Experienced Are They in the Procedure You Want?
Even if a surgeon is board-certified, experience matters. You don’t want to be someone’s learning curve.
- If you want a facelift, you don’t want a surgeon who only does breast augmentations.
- If you’re looking for body contouring, a doctor who has only done a few tummy tucks may not be the best fit.
A qualified surgeon should provide before-and-after photos of real patients who have undergone the same procedure. This helps evaluate their consistency and quality of work. If they only have stock photos… 🚩.
Are They Setting Realistic Expectations?
A trustworthy plastic surgeon won’t just tell you what you want to hear—they’ll provide an honest assessment of what’s achievable for your body.
Be cautious of providers who:
🚩 Promise “perfect” results
🚩 Claim there’s no downtime
🚩 Downplay possible risks
Every surgical procedure—no matter how minor—carries potential complications.
A good surgeon will take the time to explain:
✔️ Your expected recovery timeline
✔️ Possible risks and complications
✔️ Whether you’re an ideal candidate
If a provider rushes through your consultation or avoids discussing risks, 🚩🚩🚩
What Do Their Reviews Say?
Patient experiences speak volumes. Before committing to a surgeon, check:
✔️ Google Reviews
✔️ Testimonials
✔️ Social Media Comments & Tags
✔️ Personal Recommendations from Friends or Family
Look for patterns. If multiple reviews mention poor communication, rushed consultations, or disappointing results, you got it 🚩. A reputable surgeon should have a strong history of positive patient experiences, natural-looking results, and a commitment to safety.
What’s Their Infection Rate?
A reputable plastic surgeon should be completely transparent about surgical outcomes, including infection rates.
A high infection rate could indicate:
🚩 Poor sterilization practices
🚩 Unsafe operating conditions
🚩 Lack of proper surgical techniques
If your surgeon hesitates to discuss infection rates or dismisses the question, 🚩 🚩 🚩
At Corpus Plastic Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Vijay and his team follow the highest standards of sterilization and patient safety, minimizing risks and ensuring optimal outcomes.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Take Risks with Your Health
Plastic surgery is a life-changing decision—one that should be made with careful consideration, not based on convenience, price, or persuasive marketing. Your safety, your results, and your overall experience depend on choosing a surgeon with the right qualifications.
Before committing to a procedure, take the time to do your research, verify credentials, and recognize the red flags 🚩 that could put you at risk. Be cautious of unrealistic promises, non-accredited surgical facilities, lack of hospital privileges, and providers who avoid discussing risks or infection rates.
At Corpus Plastic Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Vijay is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and a reputation for delivering safe, natural-looking results. With a fully accredited private surgical suite and a commitment to transparency, patient education, and ethical care, he ensures that every procedure is performed with expertise and precision.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, make sure you’re in the right hands. Your confidence, safety, and outcome deserve nothing less.
Contact: 5642 Esplanade Dr. CC, TX 78414 | 361-888-7417 | Instagram: @CorpusPlasticSurgery | Facebook: Corpus Christi Plastic Surgery and MedSpa
