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 in Scottsdale, AZ, 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.
What Is Board Certification, and Why Does it Matter?
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 both facial plastic surgery and 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.
Make Your Consultation Count
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.
Results Matter
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 to get, so you can see if you like how the surgeon does the job. 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.
What Do Previous Patients Say?
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.
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.
Dr. Todd Hobgood
Dr. Hobgood has been a facial plastic surgeon for over 12 years and specializes in surgical and nonsurgical facial plastic surgery. His skill and expertise have been recognized around the country. With his patients, Dr. Hobgood is known for his compassion, attention to detail, and natural-looking results. You can request a consultation using the online form or by calling us at (480) 214-9955.
Updated October 2025

Leave a Reply