Facial plastic surgery grows in popularity every year, as does the number of facial plastic surgeons. With all the choices and options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to select the best facial plastic surgeon for you. The process is actually much easier than it sounds! By utilizing the following criteria in your search, you can narrow down your long list of choices until you find the perfect surgeon.
Start With Board Certification
You may frequently see the designation of board certification appear in your search for a plastic surgeon. While board-certified plastic surgeons are typically trained in facial rejuvenation, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon has demonstrated a deeper and more extensive understanding of the intricate structure and surgical care of the face. Board certification is not a mandatory credential for practicing as a plastic surgeon, but physicians who hold this designation demonstrate a high level of dedication and expertise.
To become certified in his or her specialty, a doctor must complete a series of exams administered by the board that oversees the specialty in question. I am certified in facial plastic surgery as well as in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery, which means I have extensive knowledge of these areas of the body. Not only do I fully understand how each area functions, I also understand the importance of physical form, and my aesthetic sensibility influences each element of my surgical plan.
Evaluate the Consultation Experience
Meeting with your surgeon has the potential to be extremely informative. The consultation is an important time for both surgeon and patient to get to know each other and ensure compatibility and a shared vision. While you can learn plenty about your plastic surgeon through his or her website, different questions are better discussed in person. You should feel comfortable expressing your concerns during your appointment, and when you leave, you should feel as if your questions were answered and your surgeon valued your time.
But let’s not forget the objective of facial plastic surgery: to make you look your best. A genuinely great facial plastic surgeon will focus on minor alterations to create a more natural-looking outcome and avoid an overly “worked-on” appearance.
Evaluate the Surgeon’s Results & Techniques
Before-and-after photos allow you to assess a facial plastic surgeon’s skills and abilities. Most surgeons have these available on their websites, or you can ask to see them when visiting their practices. Look at the results for the same procedure you want, so you can see if you like how the surgeon performs it. Find patients of a similar age. It can be hard to judge results sometimes when you’re looking at other people, but do the best you can.
If you’re considering facelift surgery, it’s also worth asking about the techniques a surgeon performs. Modern approaches, such as the deep plane facelift, reposition the deeper facial tissues to create comprehensive, natural-looking rejuvenation while preserving your unique facial character. Understanding why a surgeon recommends one technique over another can help you make a more informed decision.
Read Patient Reviews
There are plenty of sources for real patient reviews. You want to find a surgeon who gives you great results, but you also want to find one who will provide you with a great overall experience. Do they possess good communication skills? Do they listen to patients and answer questions? Do they treat each patient as an individual with unique features? Above all, do they make patients feel safe? These are all really important qualities for a surgeon, and patients are some of the best people to assess them.
Trust Your Instincts
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few surgeons, schedule consultations. This is your opportunity to meet with surgeons face-to-face to get a sense of their personalities and how you feel at the practice. By the end of your consultation, if you don’t feel safe or comfortable with one surgeon, try looking into another one. You should feel totally secure and confident in your choice, so make sure that you do everything you can to find the right one for you.
Why Patients Choose Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery
Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With more than 22 years of experience specializing exclusively in facial plastic surgery, I’ve performed more than 2,000 facelift procedures, 5,000 rhinoplasties, and 4,000 eyelid and brow surgeries. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients from throughout the country and around the world who have entrusted me with helping them achieve natural-looking results tailored to their unique features and goals. If you’re ready to learn more, request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (480) 214-9955.
Updated July 2026
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