As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Marietta with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless patients walk through our doors with dreams, concerns, and sometimes misconceptions about plastic surgery. The single most important decision you’ll make in your aesthetic journey isn’t which procedure to choose—it’s selecting the right surgeon to trust with your care.
I’ll be honest with you (my colleagues sometimes think I’m too direct, but I believe you deserve the truth): not all plastic surgeons are created equal. The difference between choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and someone who simply calls themselves a “cosmetic surgeon” can be the difference between achieving your goals safely and experiencing complications that could have been avoided.
Living and practicing in Marietta, I’ve witnessed the growth of our medical community and, unfortunately, the proliferation of practitioners who blur the lines between qualified expertise and clever marketing. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about making this crucial choice, drawing from my experience serving patients throughout the Atlanta metro area. If you’re ready to take the next step in your aesthetic journey, I encourage you to schedule your consultation to discuss your goals and concerns in detail.
The stakes are high when you’re considering any surgical procedure. You’re not just investing money—you’re trusting someone with your health, appearance, and emotional well-being. That’s why I believe in empowering patients with knowledge before they ever schedule a consultation. Let me guide you through what really matters when choosing a plastic surgeon, beyond the glossy websites and before-and-after photos.
Understanding Board Certification
What Board Certification Means
When patients visit our Marietta office, one of the first things I explain is what board certification actually means. According to board certification information, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification isn’t just another diploma on the wall—it represents years of rigorous training, examinations, and ongoing education that directly impacts your safety and results.
Here’s what many people don’t realize: any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures. Your dermatologist, family doctor, or even gynecologist could technically offer liposuction or breast augmentation. But would you want them to? Board certification in plastic surgery means your surgeon completed at least six years of surgical training after medical school, including a minimum of three years specifically in plastic surgery.
I remember when I was going through my certification process—the written and oral examinations were grueling, testing not just surgical techniques but judgment, ethics, and patient safety protocols. The ABPS requires us to demonstrate proficiency in both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures because understanding how to rebuild is fundamental to knowing how to enhance. For comprehensive treatment information about various procedures and their requirements, patients can explore detailed resources.
Why It Impacts Your Safety
In the Marietta and greater Atlanta area, we’ve seen an influx of practitioners advertising cosmetic services without proper plastic surgery training. They might have certifications from organizations that sound official but lack the rigorous standards of the ABPS. Some complete weekend courses or short fellowships and then market themselves as experts. This isn’t about protecting our profession—it’s about protecting you.
The difference shows in outcomes. Board-certified plastic surgeons have lower complication rates, better aesthetic results, and most importantly, the training to handle emergencies if they arise. We understand anatomy at a level that comes only from years of dedicated surgical training. When someone asks me why board certification matters, I tell them it’s like choosing between a pilot who learned to fly on weekends versus one trained by the military or major airlines. The board certification information provides additional insights into the rigorous standards required for plastic surgery certification.
What to Expect from a Consultation Process
Key Red Flags to Watch For
Over my years practicing in Marietta, I’ve heard too many stories from patients who wish they’d known what to look for during their initial consultations. Let me share the warning signs that should make you think twice about any surgeon, regardless of their marketing budget or office décor.
First, be wary of surgeons who promise unrealistic results or use high-pressure sales tactics. If someone guarantees you’ll look like a celebrity or pushes you to sign up for procedures during your first visit, run. Good plastic surgery is about enhancing your natural features, not transforming you into someone else. I tell patients in our Marietta office that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When you’re ready to explore your options properly, get started today with a thorough consultation that respects your decision-making process.
Another major red flag is a surgeon who doesn’t thoroughly discuss risks and potential complications. Every surgical procedure carries risks, and any surgeon who glosses over this isn’t being honest. During consultations, I spend significant time explaining what could go wrong, how we minimize risks, and what our protocols are if complications arise. Some patients think I’m being pessimistic, but I’d rather have you fully informed than surprised.
Watch out for surgeons who offer too many different types of procedures. While board-certified plastic surgeons are trained in a wide range of techniques, most of us develop areas of special expertise. If someone claims to be equally expert in everything from facelifts to Brazilian butt lifts to hand surgery, question their focus. In our practice, we’re transparent about which procedures we perform most frequently and which might be better served by a colleague with more specific experience. Our Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic or Reconstructive Surgeon options help patients understand the full scope of available procedures.
Trust and Communication Matter
The consultation environment itself tells you a lot. Are you meeting in a professional medical setting or someone’s apartment? Does the surgeon examine you personally or delegate everything to staff? Can they show you their operating facility? In Georgia, we’ve specific regulations about where surgeries can be performed safely. If your surgeon is evasive about where your procedure will take place, that’s concerning.
Finally, trust your instincts about communication. If a surgeon seems rushed, dismissive of your concerns, or unwilling to answer questions thoroughly, they’re not the right choice. The surgeon-patient relationship requires trust and open communication. You should feel heard, respected, and never rushed into making decisions. For any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office where we prioritize open dialogue and patient education.
Investment and Value in Choosing the Right Surgeon
When patients come to our Marietta office, I encourage them to arrive prepared with questions. Don’t worry about seeming demanding—a good surgeon welcomes informed patients. Here’s what you absolutely need to ask, and what the answers should tell you.
Start with credentials
“Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?” Don’t accept vague answers about being “board-certified” without specifying which board. Ask to see their certification and verify it online through the ABPS website. Also ask about hospital privileges—even if your procedure will be in an outpatient facility, hospital credentialing committees verify surgeon qualifications. As an authoritative resource on medical specialties confirms, proper credentialing is essential for patient safety.
Get specific about experience
“How many times have you performed this exact procedure?” The answer should be in the hundreds for common procedures, not dozens. Ask to see before-and-after photos of their actual patients (not stock photos) who had similar starting points to yours. In our practice, we maintain extensive galleries because we believe you should see real results from real patients in the Marietta area. Our patient results showcase the outcomes achieved through our Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic or Reconstructive Surgeon expertise.
Inquire about the surgical facility
“Where will my procedure be performed, and is it accredited?” In Georgia, surgical facilities should be accredited by organizations like AAAASF, AAAHC, or Joint Commission. This ensures safety standards for equipment, emergency protocols, and staff training. If they’re operating in non-accredited facilities, that’s a serious concern.
Don’t shy away from asking about complications
“What’s your complication rate for this procedure, and how do you handle complications?” An honest surgeon will have this data and explain their protocols. They should also discuss their revision policy—what happens if you need touch-up work? While we all strive for perfect results, revision rates are a reality in plastic surgery. Understanding the complete Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic or Reconstructive Surgeon process helps patients make informed decisions about their care.
Ask about the total cost and what it includes
“What exactly is covered in your quoted price?” Hidden fees for anesthesia, facility use, or follow-up care can dramatically increase your investment. Get everything in writing. Also ask about their policy if complications require additional treatment—will you be charged for revision surgery if it’s needed?
Understand the recovery process
“What support do you provide during recovery?” Good practices have protocols for post-operative care, including how to reach the surgeon after hours. In our Marietta practice, patients have direct access to me during their recovery because complications don’t wait for business hours. Our comprehensive patient resources include detailed recovery guidelines and support materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
This is probably the most important distinction patients need to understand. A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed extensive surgical training specifically in plastic surgery through an accredited residency program. “Cosmetic surgeon” isn’t a protected term—any physician can use it regardless of training. While some cosmetic surgeons have relevant training, many complete only short courses or fellowships. Always verify board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
How can I verify a surgeon's credentials?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery maintains an online verification system where you can confirm certification status. You can also check with the Georgia Composite Medical Board for any disciplinary actions. Don’t rely solely on the surgeon’s website or office displays—take five minutes to verify independently. It’s your safety at stake.
Should I get multiple consultations?
Absolutely. I encourage patients to meet with at least two or three board-certified plastic surgeons before deciding. Each consultation offers different perspectives and helps you understand your options. If a surgeon discourages you from seeking other opinions, that’s a red flag. Confident, ethical surgeons support informed decision-making.
What if I can't afford a board-certified plastic surgeon?
I understand cost concerns—plastic surgery is a significant investment. However, choosing based solely on price often leads to poor outcomes requiring expensive revisions. Many practices, including ours in Marietta, offer financing options to make procedures more accessible. The cost difference between qualified and unqualified surgeons is minimal compared to the potential cost of complications or revision surgery.
How important is the surgeon's hospital affiliation?
Hospital privileges indicate that an independent credentialing committee has verified the surgeon’s training and competence. Even for procedures performed in outpatient facilities, hospital affiliation suggests the surgeon meets high standards. It also means they’ve somewhere to take you if serious complications arise—something that’s thankfully rare but important to consider.
What about surgeons who advertise heavily?
Marketing doesn’t equal expertise. Some excellent surgeons advertise extensively, while others rely on word-of-mouth. Some heavily advertised practices prioritize volume over individualized care. Focus on credentials, experience, and results rather than who has the biggest billboard or most social media followers. In the Marietta area, some of our best plastic surgeons maintain lower profiles while building practices on reputation and results. When evaluating potential surgeons, reviewing actual transformation photos from their practice provides valuable insight into their surgical capabilities.
Getting Started
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Take your time, do your research, and don’t let anyone rush you into a decision. Your safety, satisfaction, and results depend on making an informed choice. If you’re considering plastic surgery in the Marietta area, I encourage you to be thorough in your search—your future self will thank you for the diligence you show today.
Written by: Dr. Atanu Biswas
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Marietta Plastic Surgery
About Dr. Biswas
