Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon?
A board-certified plastic surgeon is the doctor who provides cosmetic surgery, which changes how a part of the body looks. These surgeons complete at least six years of surgical training after medical school. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Cosmetic plastic surgery includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures that reshape the body to improve appearance and confidence. A cosmetic or plastic surgeon is the doctor who does this work.
The title "cosmetic surgeon" is not an official board name. The group that approves medical specialty boards has none with "cosmetic surgery" in its name. It does approve the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Why a doctor might recommend it
People see a plastic surgeon when they want to change how a part of the body looks. Common procedures include eyelid surgery, facelift, nose surgery, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast lift, and breast reduction. Some options need no surgery, such as dermal fillers and chemical peels.
How to prepare
The first step is a consultation. The surgeon listens to your goals and concerns. The surgeon may also make recommendations based on your medical history. Write your questions down before you go. Good ones to ask include the following.
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Which procedure do you think is best for me?
- What are the risks and complications?
- What type of anesthesia, local or general, will I have?
- What will recovery look like?
Be careful if a surgeon says "board certified" without naming the board. That vague wording can be a red flag. "Menu" style pricing is also a red flag.
What happens during it
Your surgeon first explains which procedure fits you, because each body is different.
The steps of surgery depend on the procedure. The type of anesthesia depends on the procedure and your medical history.
Recovery
Recovery time varies by procedure, medical history, and other factors. In the first days, you may need a friend or family member to help with daily tasks and aftercare. One common rule is no lifting of more than ten pounds for a few weeks.
Careful aftercare helps keep recovery time short and protects your results. Your surgeon will ask you to come back for follow-up visits.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
No surgical procedure is without risk. Anesthesia has its own risks, so ask about it. A plastic surgeons' group says risks and complications are very low when a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery provides the care.
The result may also not match what you hoped for, so keep your expectations realistic.
Who performs it
Look for a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Member surgeons of the main U.S. plastic surgery group meet these standards.
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- At least six years of surgical training after medical school, with at least three years of plastic surgery residency training.
- Passing written and oral exams.
Common questions
Is a cosmetic surgeon the same as a plastic surgeon?
Not always, because "cosmetic surgeon" is not the name of an approved specialty board. No approved medical specialty board has "cosmetic surgery" in its name. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is approved, so it is the board to look for.
What does board certified mean for a plastic surgeon?
It means the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They also pass written and oral exams.
What should I ask a plastic surgeon at the first visit?
Ask first whether the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Then ask which procedure is best for you, what the risks are, and what recovery looks like.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can talk through your goals and health history before you see a surgeon. They can also help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Choose a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Cosmetic Procedures
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - What questions should you ask your plastic surgeon during the consultation?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
