In a world of media and marketing where messages are crafted to deliver high impact, concise information in 7 seconds, often, the information is so dense and well elaborated that we forget to ask - is it true? Is it fact checked?
Have you wondered what is a Cosmetic Surgeon? A Facial Plastic Surgeon? A Breast Aesthetic Surgeon? Is it the same as a Plastic Surgeon?
Is it a Hare or a Rabbit?
Cosmetic surgery is an important medical decision - not a simple beauty purchase. As explained in our “What is Plastic Surgery?” article, aesthetic procedures belong under the umbrella of the specialty Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and should only be performed by surgeons with the full training and expertise to protect you.
The question is: Who is a Real Plastic Surgeon with full accredited training? Are you addressing a Cat or a Hare? Furry, ears and soft - They try to look alike, but are they the same thing?
In many countries - and increasingly across Europe - many doctors and clinics without formal surgical training offer “plastic surgery” services. This makes it critical for patients to understand the difference between certified plastic surgeons and non-specialist practitioners, and to recognise what credentials truly matter. In this article we show you how to choose a surgeon safely, why credentials like board certification and membership in respected societies matter, and what questions you should always ask before committing - especially when confronted with “too-good-to-be-true” price offers. So read on, to make sure you don’t hop in the wrong hole!
Certified Plastic Surgeons vs. Non-Specialists:
What’s the Difference?
Certified Plastic Surgeons
- A certified plastic surgeon completes dedicated surgical training - typically a period between 5-7 years after medical school - including both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. Their education is broad, covering complex reconstructive operations as well as cosmetic ones.
- In a field so diverse that performs surgery from head to toe, this training provides an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, safety standards, management of complications, and in case they happen, reconstruction - skills that are fundamental even in “purely cosmetic” procedures.
- Contrary to most other medical fields, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery procedures don’t follow a recipe formula - each case is unique, each patient is specific and there are no “surgical steps” in procedures - every case is a problem, where the tool is used to get the best outcome. This need for a “toolbox” helps us think, act and react to all the needs and desires - you could say it what makes us Plastic!
- They operate in accredited hospitals or surgical facilities, where proper equipment, sterile operating rooms, qualified anaesthesia and emergency protocols are guaranteed.
- They are held to ethical standards, commit to continuous education, and are often members of reputable national or European plastic surgery societies.
Non-Specialists / "Cosmetic Doctors"
- Some practitioners offering aesthetic surgery may be general physicians, dermatologists, general surgeons, or other specialists - without formal advanced training in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Because aesthetic procedures are paid for privately, many are drawn by financial incentives rather than patient safety. The allure of quick money rapidly scales towards cost cutting, and safety “budgeting” and increased risk.
- Their training may be limited to short courses or workshops, performed by zoom or 1-2 day stays with other doctor - insufficient for safe complex surgery. They may lack the experience to handle intra- or post-operative complications.
- Results are not guaranteed - While it is true that results get better with time an experience, and in many jobs, you do get trained “on the job” - is your health something that you would risk for someone else trial and error learning process?
- They may operate in non-accredited clinics, without full surgical equipment, or lack access to emergency care or intensive postoperative supervision - all of which can seriously compromise safety.
- Poor outcomes, complications, need for corrective surgeries, or even serious health consequences can always happen. Having someone who knows how to help you recover and is trained to do so is invaluable. $
Remember, cats are pet friendly. Hare are wild animals. There is a reason one stays inside and the other in the woods.
Credentials and Memberships - How to tell them apart
Board Certification: your first linke of assurance
Board certification (or equivalent official accreditation in your country) is the clearest evidence a surgeon underwent the required extended training, passed examinations, and is competent in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
According to the guidelines of major surgical societies, board-certified plastic surgeons typically complete over 5 to 7 years of surgical training after medical school.
This ensures they possess:
- Deep knowledge of surgical anatomy and safety protocols
- Proficiency in handling complications and emergencies
- Ethical and evidence-based practice - not just aesthetic goals
- Peer assessment of knowledge and skill obtained.
Membership in reputable societies (e.g. European Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, ESAPS)
Membership in a respected professional society is an additional strong safety indicator. Surgeons who belong to ESAPS or similar national/international societies commit to a code of ethics, peer oversight, continued education, and quality standards. Furthermore, ESAPS does the screening and ensures only real qualified Plastic Surgeons who have undergone formal training are members.
For example, our website itself - RealPlasticSurgeon.eu - collaborates with plastic surgery societies across European countries to ensure that every surgeon listed is fully trained and board-certified. www.realplasticsurgeon.eu
By selecting an ESAPS member, you benefit from:
- Verified credentials, training and surgical experience
- Assurance of ethical practice and transparent patient care
- Peer-reviewed standards and solidarity within a scientific community.
So how do the Hares stay in business: The Risks Behind “Cheap Deals” & Cosmetic Tourism
Many patients are enticed by inexpensive offers or packages promising fast, affordable cosmetic surgery. However, as cautioned by both specialised surgeons and professional organisations, these deals often come at the cost of safety and quality.
Typical risks associated with bargain-priced surgery or “cosmetic-tourism” packages:
- The surgeon may be non-board-certified, or have minimal experience.
- The facility may be non-accredited, lacking necessary surgical standards, sterile environment, or emergency protocols.
- Postoperative care may be insufficient, with limited follow-up or no plan for complications.
- Use of cheaper materials, implants or anaesthesia, which may increase risk of infection or implant failure.
- Hidden costs or pressure to pay extra for necessary aftercare — sometimes outside the patient’s home country.
Especially when travelling abroad for surgery, patients may face major challenges if complications occur: access to follow-up care may be limited, communication barriers may exist, and local patient-injury coverage might not apply across borders.
Ok, so how do I choose?
5 essential questions to ask before you choose a plastic surgeon
Before you commit to surgery make sure you ask the surgeon directly and get clear, documented answers to these five questions:
- Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Ask for the exact certification and from which country/authority. Genuine specialists will willingly show Plastic Reconstructive Surgery credentials. - Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Membership signals commitment to ethical practice, continuing education, and peer oversight. - How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
Experience with the procedure you want matters - not just general or unrelated surgeries. Ie: A Mastectomy does not qualify someone to perform a Breast Augmentation. - Where will the surgery take place - is the facility accredited (hospital or certified surgical centre)?
Confirm that the operating room meets high standards, with qualified anaesthesia, sterile conditions, post-operative monitoring, and emergency protocols. - What is your complication rate, and what are your follow-up and aftercare plans if complications arise?
Ask for honest statistics, a detailed aftercare schedule, and what happens if you need revision or corrective surgery.
If your surgeon hesitates or avoids these questions - or gives vague answers - consider that a serious warning sign.
Final thoughts: Look for a competitive price, but remember:
Your safety - not just your savings - matters
As we emphasized in earlier articles, plastic surgery is not purely about vanity: aesthetic procedures carry real risks. Choosing a properly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon - ideally one registered with ESAPS or a similar respected society - is the most important step to ensure safety, quality results, and ethical care in what may be a major decision in your life.
While “cheap deals” or cosmetic-tourism offers can be tempting, they often come with hidden trade-offs that may negatively affect your health, appearance, and well-being.
When in doubt, verify credentials, assess facility accreditation, ask the right questions - and always prioritise your safety.
Choose wisely and make sure you don’t end up with a hare when you wanted what only a cat can offer!