In 2020, over 24 million people had cosmetic procedures. In fact, plastic surgery is now more commonplace than ever. It isn’t just for celebrities but for the everyday man and woman. If you are considering joining that number of men and women, you’re looking for the best doctor possible. You did your research and still aren’t sure whether you should go through and get the plastic surgery done. What should you look for? What are the red flags to look for? That being said, here are some red flags you need to be aware of when looking for the best plastic surgeon in NJ. If your plastic surgeon mentions any of the following statements, here are a few reasons why they might indicate a problem.

#1: “I’m a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.”

While this may sound impressive, the truth is, it is the second tier to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which was founded in 1931. It is considered the largest (and one of the most recognized) plastic surgery organizations in the world.

During the consultation, if you ask if the plastic surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeon, and you get a response such as “I’m not but I’m a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery,” you may want to re-evaluate whether you should continue with this surgeon. The best plastic surgeon in NJ and the one who is right for you will be able to explain this further.

#2: “I’ll make you look like Brad Pitt/ Angelina Jolie/ Insert Celebrity of Choice.”

It is not unheard of for people to want a specific characteristic of a celebrity. For instance, Angelina Jolie’s lips. Or Brad Pitts jawline. Perhaps you want Kate Middleton’s nose? The list goes on.

The truth is, experienced cosmetic surgeons aren’t going to simply say “ok” when they hear a request like that. Plastic surgery is part science and part art.

He or she will take a look at your face and body and decide which feature would be the best suited for your features.

Yes, Angelina Jolie’s lips may compliment her face, but they may not complement yours (which is perfectly ok).

Where the red flag comes up is when you hear the plastic surgeon agree and say something like “Yes, you’ll look more like insert celebrity.” Even the “ok” should be warning enough.

This may create an unrealistic expectation, at best. And, at worst, your features may be altered that yes, will resemble the said celebrity, but doesn’t quite go with your unique features.

 #3: “I have to go right now.”

If your plastic surgeon leaves abruptly in the middle of the consultation, that’s not a great sign. Yes, there could be an explainable (and acceptable) reason why this happened. Maybe their significant other suddenly couldn’t pick up the kids from school? Or maybe there was some type of personal emergency that came up?

Whatever it is, you should receive a call back apologizing for the interruption and re-scheduling the consultation to a later date. (Interruption or no interruption, consultations usually are free. However, that’s not to say some may not be.)

What you need to be on the lookout for is the interruption and not call back up. Or the interruption combined with the rude bedside manner.

While the plastic surgeon could be having a bad day, not owning the responsibility may be a red flag.

At the end of the day, this could be the person you put your life in his or hands come surgery day. You want to make sure you trust 100% that they have your best interest at heart.

#4: “Don’t mind my online reviews. Some people just like to complain.”

One or two negative reviews out of hundreds of positive reviews may be fine. Of course, this depends on what those one or two negative reviews say. If the negative review is about a scheduling conflict or something else that is benign and not related to the surgeon’s work, they may be in the clear. However, a negative review about a botched surgery or something similar to that nature could have just as much weight to it as several less negative reviews. Then again, you need to know that not every patient will be pleased with the results. Unfortunately, this comes with the job and is a part of the risk involved. The best plastic surgeon in NJ will clarify this for you and answer all your questions.

This is where your research comes in. Check to see what certification the surgeon holds, not to mention if he or she has hospital privileges (in general, hospitals have more regulations than private practice, which means more qualified plastic surgeons receive hospital privileges).

Huge Red Flag: Several Negative Reviews

Note that several negative reviews are definitely a red flag. More negative than positive is a clear indicator you need to continue your search.

#5: “Did you see that all of my online reviews are positive?”

While too many negative reviews are a red flag, only having positive reviews is just as suspicious. It is possible that the doctor has manipulated his online reviews to show only positive feedback.  So, if you only see positive reviews, you may want to go to the next plastic surgeon on your list, as only positive reviews could be a sign that the reviews are fake.

#6: “There are a few pending malpractice lawsuits currently happening.”

It’s a fact; we live in a litigious friendly country. However, that doesn’t mean all pending lawsuits should be shrugged off. Make sure that you include looking up the surgeon’s malpractice status a crucial part of your research.

(Speaking of which, read our article, “How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon New Jersey” for specifics on how to look up a plastic surgeon.)

If you do see that the plastic surgeon is in the middle of a malpractice suit, it may be best to consider another cosmetic surgeon for your surgery.

 #7: “I don’t have any experience performing that procedure.”

Yes, an inexperienced plastic surgeon may cost less. However, you do get what you pay for. For ice cream, a meal out, or clothes, this may be fine. But when it comes to a permanent change to your body, the experience is worth the higher price. In that case, bypass the inexperienced.

#8: “At our practice, we have the cheapest prices in town!”

Depending on the location, prices for plastic surgery procedures will vary. However, be wary of extremely low prices. For one, why is the plastic surgeon advertising such exceedingly low prices? How do they benefit from that?

As mentioned previously, this could be a sign that the surgeon is inexperienced. Or, at its worst, it could be because the plastic surgeon isn’t qualified to practice in the US. That or his or her licenses are now expired—which continue to practice without a license is considered illegal.

All in all, it is probably safe to rule out plastic surgeons with low price points.

Mind This Information and Find the Best Plastic Surgeon in NJ for You

Yes, there are several highly qualified plastic surgeons who have a wonderful bedside manner and equally impressive skill and expertise. However, there are some who do not have the best of intentions for you and your health. These people might be unqualified, which can be very dangerous. This is why you need to keep these red flags in mind and trust your gut. If you feel as though the communication is lacking or the doctor is unable or unwilling to answer any and all of your questions, then it’s time to move on. The best plastic surgeon in NJ will be able to make you feel 100% confident and comfortable with your choices.

Best Plastic Surgeon NJ: Summary

  • Being a part of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery isn’t the same as being a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—the latter is more reputable than the former
  • Be cautious when you hear a plastic surgeon agree when you say you want insert-celebrity-feature; this surgery may not complement your features
  • Leaving in the middle of consultation with no apology or explanation after is a sign of a rude bedside manner
  • Too many negative reviews and all positive reviews both are red flags
  • A pending malpractice suite may be all the reason you need to consider looking for another plastic surgeon
  • An extremely low price may be a sign that the surgeon is inexperienced (and is then “making up for it”)
  • At the same time, it could be a scam; some surgeons are not qualified to work in the US; other times they could flat out be a plastic surgeon imposter; or he or she used to be qualified but now his or her license is expired or has been revoked
  • No matter what, keep these red flags in mind and make sure you listen to your gut, along with conducting thorough research

For a free consultation, contact Berlet Plastic Surgery! Also, feel free to check out the rest of our articles and browse our website to learn more information.