Finding the right plastic surgeon takes more than a quick Google search. Marketing, online rankings, pricing, and credentials can all give a false sense of security if you don’t know what you’re looking at.
The goal of a consultation is not to be sold but to figure out whether the surgeon in front of you is someone you can trust.
These are seven questions that Dr. Ali R. Abtahi of Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery believes every patient should be asking before moving forward.
1. How Do I Separate Real Skill from Marketing Hype?
The cosmetic industry spends an enormous amount of money on advertising. That doesn’t make someone a bad surgeon, but it does mean visibility isn’t the same thing as quality.
Things to be cautious of:
- Inflated & artificial social media followings
- Online reviews that feel overly curated
- “Best of” awards that are purchased, not earned
Photos can also be misleading, and lighting, angles, posture, and staging can make average results look more impressive than reality. A better way to judge outcomes is to ask for:
- 360-degree photos or videos
- Results shown at 3, 6, and 12 months
- Examples that look consistent, not dramatic
2. Do Credentials and Academic Achievements Tell the Whole Story?
Strong training matters, but academic success doesn’t automatically equal a surgeon who embodies strong and practical aesthetic judgment.
Plastic surgery is hands-on work. It requires:
- Technical control in the operating room
- An artistic eye for balance and proportion
- The ability to make restrained decisions
- Clear communication with patients
Publications and titles don’t show how a surgeon thinks during surgery. Results do.
3. Why Does Pricing Vary So Much Between Surgeons?
Prices can differ widely, even within the same city, and not always for reasons related to quality.
Costs may reflect:
- Location and overhead
- Facility and anesthesia fees
- Years in practice
- Advertising expenses
A high price doesn’t guarantee a better result. A very low price should raise questions. You should always understand exactly what is included in your quote and why it is structured that way.
4. What Happens If I Need a Revision?
No surgeon can control how every patient’s body will heal. Even with the most state-of-the-art and trusted techniques, surgical outcomes can vary. Complications can happen, so it’s highly important to understand what the surgeon offers if this is the case.
You should ask:
- Who decides if a revision is necessary
- How long you have to bring up concerns
- What costs you may be responsible for
- If the surgeon addresses complications and offers help
Most practices waive the surgeon’s fee but still require anesthesia and facility costs. Knowing this ahead of time prevents frustration and potential financial setbacks down the road.
5. Is Surgery Being Treated Like a Transaction?
One of the easiest ways to spot the wrong surgeon is when the consultation feels more like a checkout process than a medical conversation. If the process feels purely transactional, that’s usually a red flag.
Pay attention to:
- Whether your concerns are being explored in detail or brushed past
- How clearly risks, limitations, and trade-offs are explained
- Whether non-surgical options or delaying surgery are discussed, or if surgery is pushed as the default solution
A surgeon who is acting in your best interest will sometimes slow the process down, ask harder questions, or recommend against surgery altogether. That willingness to step back is often a better indicator of integrity than any before-and-after photo.
6. What Does This Surgeon Actually Do During a Consultation?
The consultation is often the most honest part of the entire process. The consultation is where you see how a surgeon thinks in real time. Pay attention to how the time is used and the surgeon’s bedside manner.
Ask yourself:
- Did the surgeon slow the conversation down to understand what you’re trying to change, or did they quickly move toward a recommendation?
- Were you asked about your lifestyle, health history, and long-term expectations, or just your aesthetic complaints?
- Did the surgeon explain why a certain approach makes sense (or doesn’t) rather than simply stating what they would do?
- When you asked questions, were the answers thoughtful and specific, or vague and rehearsed?
A strong consultation often feels less like a pitch and more like a working session. You should leave understanding not just what is being recommended, but why, and what the realistic trade-offs are. If everything sounds too polished, too fast, or too easy, that’s worth paying attention to.
7. Can I See Myself Trusting This Person Long-Term?
Plastic surgery doesn’t end when the incision heals. Results change over time, healing isn’t always predictable, and questions or concerns can come up well after the initial recovery period.
Ask yourself:
- Would I feel comfortable bringing up concerns months later without worrying about being dismissed or brushed off?
- Does this surgeon seem open to discussion and accountability, even when the conversation is uncomfortable?
- Do I feel respected as a person, not rushed through as another case on the schedule?
A strong surgeon-patient relationship matters long after surgery day. The right surgeon is someone you trust not only when everything goes smoothly, but when follow-up, patience, or adjustment is needed. That level of trust is usually clear during the consultation, and it’s worth paying attention to.
The Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery Approach
Dr. Ali R. Abtahi is a Dallas-based plastic surgeon with comprehensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, and general surgery. Dr. Abtahi combines technical precision with an artistic eye, focusing on balance, proportion, and results that are appropriate for each individual. His areas of expertise include rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and comprehensive aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body.
Dr. Abtahi views aesthetic surgery as part of a longer-term commitment to personal well-being, not a quick or isolated fix. While before-and-after photos can make transformation appear effortless, meaningful results require planning, patience, and realistic expectations. His goal is to guide patients through that process with honesty and clarity, supporting both the external changes and the internal discipline needed to maintain them. At Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery, the focus remains on thoughtful care, sound judgment, and long-term patient relationships built on trust.
If you are considering plastic surgery and want a clear, honest conversation about your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Abtahi at Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery, serving Southlake, Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth.