How to choose a qualified
facial plastic surgeon?
Facial plastic surgery is an elective procedure that profoundly affects your appearance and confidence. Choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision in your surgical journey.
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What board certification actually means
When a surgeon is EAFPS-certified, you know they meet rigorous European standards for facial plastic surgery specifically – this is different from general plastic surgeons, non-surgeon practitioners, or doctors without formal surgical certification.
- Formal training – Minimum 5+ years of accredited surgical training with focused fellowship in facial surgery
- Board examination – Passed comprehensive, independent exams testing surgical knowledge, clinical judgment and safety
- Ongoing education – Maintains credentials through continuing education and stays current with new techniques
- Accountability – Subject to professional oversight, ethical standards, and disciplinary processes
Critical questions to ask your surgeon
01.
About qualifications
- “Are you board-certified in facial plastic surgery?”
- “Where did you complete your fellowship training?”
- “How many years have you been performing this procedure?”
- “Are you a member of EAFPS or other professional societies?”
02.
About the procedure
- “What technique do you use, and why?”
- “What are the most common risks and complications?”
- “What is the typical recovery timeline?”
- “What happens if I’m not satisfied with the result?”
03.
About experience & outcomes
- “How many of this procedure do you perform each year?”
- “What is your revision rate for this procedure?”
- “What post-operative care and follow-up do you provide?”
- “What is your complication rate compared to published literature?”
04.
About facility & safety
- “Where is your surgery performed?”
- “Are you present for the entire procedure?”
- “What safety protocols do you follow?”
- “Based on my anatomy, what results can realistically be achieved?”
Understanding qualifications
The E-E-A-T framework
E – Expertise
Board-certified training and years of focused experience with your procedure
E – Experience
High case volume, proven track record, and ongoing learning
A – Authoritativeness
Published research, society membership, peer recognition
T – Trustworthiness
Transparent about risks, honest about limitations, never pressures you
Red flags
Warning signs to walk away
- Can’t or won’t discuss complications (“We never have problems”)
- Pressures you into surgery (“You need to decide today”)
- Claims unrealistic results (“I can make you look like a celebrity”)
- Won’t show before-and-afters or deflects when asked about credentials
- Operates in unlicensed or non-accredited facilities
- Doesn’t invest time in understanding your goals during the consultation
- Has unresolved complaints with medical boards – check your country’s licensing board
What EAFPS membership means for you?
EAFPS members are board-certified in facial plastic surgery, committed to patient safety, engaged in ongoing education, and accountable to a professional academy with disciplinary processes. EAFPS membership is a meaningful assurance that your surgeon meets rigorous international standards while all surgeons may occasionally face complications, this credential shows they have the training and oversight to manage them properly.
About EAFPS
