Cosmetic Procedures: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cosmetic Procedures?
A board-certified plastic surgeon is the doctor to look for when you want a cosmetic procedure, which changes how the body looks. MedlinePlus also lists groups for facial plastic surgeons and dermatologic surgeons. 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 procedures aim to improve appearance and confidence. Some use surgery and some do not. Surgeons can reshape body parts through cosmetic surgery.
Surgical examples are breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction, and tummy tuck. Nonsurgical examples are dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, chemical peels, and laser hair removal. The steps depend on the procedure.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Cosmetic surgery can reshape how body parts look. Common body parts people want to improve include the breasts, ears, eyes, face, hair, nose, and tummy.
How to prepare
The first step is a consultation. The surgeon listens to your goals and concerns. The surgeon may also give advice based on your medical history. Write your questions down ahead of time. Good ones include the following.
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Which procedure is best for me?
- What are the risks and complications?
- What will recovery look like?
Be careful if someone says "board certified" without naming the board. That can be a red flag.
What happens during it
The steps depend on the procedure. Each body is different, so the surgeon picks what fits you. The type of anesthesia, local or general, depends on the procedure and your medical history.
Recovery
Recovery time varies by procedure, medical history, and other factors. You may need a friend or family member to help with daily tasks. One common rule is no lifting of more than ten pounds for a few weeks.
Careful aftercare helps keep recovery short and protects your results. Your doctor 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 with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Results may not match your goals, so keep your hopes realistic.
Who performs it
A board-certified plastic surgeon is the doctor to choose. MedlinePlus also points people to groups for facial plastic surgeons and for dermatologic surgeons to find an expert.
Common questions
What are the most common areas people want to change?
Common body parts people want to improve through surgery include the breasts, ears, eyes, face, hair, nose, and tummy. For example, surgery can increase or reduce breast size, correct drooping upper eyelids, change the shape of the nose, or flatten the abdomen.
What is the difference between surgical and nonsurgical procedures?
Surgical procedures use an operation. Examples are breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction, and tummy tuck. Nonsurgical procedures do not need an operation. Examples are dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, chemical peels, and laser hair removal.
What should I ask before a cosmetic procedure?
Ask first if the provider 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
- MedlinePlus - Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
- 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.
