How do I know if my potential surgeon is actually good?

There are a number of reasons why there might not be pictures on their website, first providing pictures of patients on a website requires a legal release as well as a lot of other paper work to ensure there are no HIPAA violations. Next, many people want their procedures kept private and are not willing to allow their pictures to be published online. Last, all people are different when it comes to plastic surgery- their skin elasticity is different, their bone structure, their underlying muscles, their symmetry, the list goes on. One persons outcome in no way indicates what your outcome will be.

The best thing to do is look up online reviews, have consultations with more than one doctor, look up their CV (a good doc will have this readily available on their website as they are proud of their training and education), and last, ask for pictures when you’re in the consultation. Some docs will have before and after pics that are kept private due to the reasons I listed above. Lastly, go with your gut and with who makes you feel comfortable and confident. A good doctor will listen to you, answer your questions, and try to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Source: I worked for a plastic surgeon early in my career.

/r/PlasticSurgery Thread