Choosing a plastic surgeon is a big decision—one that goes far beyond just looking at before-and-after pictures. The right surgeon can help you achieve natural, beautiful results, but the wrong one? That can lead to regret, complications, and outcomes that don’t match your expectations.
With so many plastic surgeons in Tampa, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by flashy marketing and glowing online reviews. But how do you separate the truly skilled professionals from those who may not have your best interests at heart? Knowing what red flags to watch out for can save you time, stress, and, most importantly, your health and safety.
Not Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery? That’s a Problem.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a plastic surgeon is assuming that any doctor who offers cosmetic procedures is qualified to perform them. This is not the case. A board-certified plastic surgeon has undergone years of specialized training, exams, and hands-on experience to master the craft.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the gold standard. If a surgeon is not certified by ABPS, it means they may lack the necessary education, training, or experience. Some providers take short courses in cosmetic surgery and start offering procedures without true surgical expertise. That’s a huge red flag.
Before you schedule anything, look up the surgeon’s credentials. If they aren’t board-certified in plastic surgery, it’s time to move on.
A Consultation That Feels Rushed or Unhelpful
Your consultation should never feel like a sales pitch or a quick formality. It’s your chance to ask questions, express your concerns, and understand the procedure. A good plastic surgeon will take the time to walk you through the details, from realistic outcomes to potential risks.
If you feel like the surgeon is rushing through the appointment, avoiding certain questions, or pushing you to commit right away, that’s a bad sign.
A great consultation should include:
- A thorough discussion of your goals and expectations
- A clear explanation of the procedure, including recovery time and risks
- Honest, realistic answers about what’s possible for your body and anatomy
If you leave your consultation feeling unsure or pressured, trust that instinct. A qualified surgeon will always prioritize your needs over making a sale.
“Guaranteed” Results or Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
Plastic surgery is an art, not an exact science. Every patient is different, which means no reputable surgeon will ever promise “perfect” results. If someone guarantees that you’ll have a flawless outcome with zero risks or downtime, be skeptical.
Red flags to watch for:
- Claims that there are “no risks” (every surgery has potential risks)
- Promises that you’ll look exactly like a certain celebrity
- Statements that downplay the importance of recovery
A skilled plastic surgeon will be upfront about both the benefits and the potential downsides of any procedure. If they aren’t being honest with you now, imagine how they’ll handle things if something doesn’t go as planned.
No Hospital Privileges? Walk Away.
Even if your surgery is being performed in a private surgical center, your surgeon should have hospital privileges at an accredited hospital. This means they’ve been approved by a hospital’s medical board to perform surgeries there, which is a sign that they meet high professional standards.
Why does this matter? If something goes wrong during surgery, you want to know that your doctor has the ability to admit you to a reputable hospital for care. A lack of hospital privileges could indicate that the surgeon doesn’t meet the hospital’s qualifications, which is a serious red flag.
No Before-and-After Photos or Unclear Results
A skilled plastic surgeon should be able to show real results from real patients. If they don’t have a solid gallery of before-and-after photos, it raises several questions:
- Do they not have enough experience?
- Are they hiding poor results?
- Are they using stock images instead of actual patient outcomes?
Look for photos of patients who have a similar body type or facial structure to yours. This gives you a more realistic idea of what to expect. If a surgeon refuses to show examples of their work, it’s time to look elsewhere.
A Bad Reputation or Too Many Negative Reviews
Reviews matter. While every surgeon will have a mix of experiences from patients, consistently negative reviews about poor communication, bad results, or rushed procedures should not be ignored.
Check multiple sources, including:
- Google Reviews
- RealSelf
- Healthgrades
- Social Media Comments
Look for patterns in the complaints. If multiple people mention that the surgeon rushed their consultation, ignored their concerns, or delivered subpar results, that’s a huge warning sign.
Vague Pricing or Hidden Fees
While pricing shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it’s important that a surgeon is upfront about costs. If they refuse to give you a clear breakdown of fees, be wary.
Some red flags when it comes to pricing:
- A price that seems too low compared to other experienced surgeons in the area
- Hidden fees that appear after you’ve committed to the procedure
- No clear breakdown of what’s included (such as anesthesia and facility costs)
A reputable practice will provide a transparent cost estimate and explain exactly what you’re paying for.
A Surgeon Who Tries to Sell You on Every Procedure
A good plastic surgeon will help you choose the right procedure for your goals—not push you into extra treatments you don’t need. If a surgeon is overly aggressive about upselling procedures, it’s a sign that they may care more about profit than results.
A great plastic surgeon will:
- Focus on your goals and recommend procedures that make sense for you
- Never pressure you into something you’re unsure about
- Be realistic about what will work best for your anatomy
If a surgeon is more focused on selling you multiple treatments rather than ensuring you get the best outcome, consider it a red flag.
Not Enough Experience in the Procedure You Want
Just because someone is a plastic surgeon doesn’t mean they are highly skilled in every procedure. Some focus on facial surgery, while others specialize in body contouring. If a surgeon performs a wide variety of procedures but lacks expertise in the one you want, that’s a concern.
Before committing, ask:
- How many times have you performed this procedure?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients who had this specific surgery?
- What techniques do you use to achieve the best results?
If they don’t have extensive experience in your chosen procedure, you may not be in the best hands.
Trust Your Gut – If Something Feels Off, Keep Looking
Choosing a plastic surgeon is about more than credentials and before-and-after photos—it’s about trust. If you feel rushed, pressured, or uneasy, listen to that feeling. Your safety, results, and overall experience depend on choosing a surgeon who is honest, experienced, and focused on your well-being.
At Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery, we believe that choosing a plastic surgeon should never feel like a gamble. Dr. Mosiello is board-certified, highly experienced, and dedicated to providing exceptional results with the highest safety standards.
We believe in honesty, transparency, and patient-centered care. From your consultation to recovery, our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering plastic surgery and want to ensure you’re in the best hands, contact us today to schedule your consultation. Your confidence and safety are our top priorities.
