How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon in Miami: 10 Things to Look For

TL;DR: Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Checklist

• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is non-negotiable
• FACS credential (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) indicates additional peer review and ethical standards
• Specialization in your specific procedure matters more than general experience
• Before-and-after photos should show consistent results similar to your goals
• Accredited facility ensures safety standards are met
• Clear communication and comfort during consultation is essential

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Miami is one of the top destinations for cosmetic surgery in the United States. With year-round beach culture and hundreds of plastic surgeons to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming.

Here's the truth: not all surgeons are equal. The difference between a good outcome and a great one often comes down to who you choose. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for when selecting a plastic surgeon in Miami.

1. Verify Board Certification (The Most Important Step)

Board certification is the single most important credential to verify. But here's what many patients don't know: not all "board certifications" are the same.

What to Look For

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, ABPS certification means a surgeon has completed at least six years of surgical training, including a minimum of three years specifically in plastic surgery.

Red Flags to Watch

Some surgeons advertise "board certification" from organizations not recognized by the ABMS. This doesn't mean they're unqualified, but it does mean their training may differ significantly.

Ask specifically: "Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?"

You can verify any surgeon's certification at certificationmatters.org.

How Dr. Karlinsky Meets This Standard

Dr. Victoria Karlinsky is board-certified in both cosmetic and general surgery. She completed her medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine, followed by a surgical residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and fellowship training at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

2. Look for Fellowship Credentials (FACS)

Beyond board certification, the FACS credential (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) indicates an additional layer of peer review and ethical commitment.

What FACS Means

According to the American College of Surgeons, surgeons must meet rigorous standards to earn this designation:

• Board certification in their specialty
• At least one year of practice after completing training
• Peer evaluation of their surgical cases
• Commitment to ethical practice and continuing education

The ACS has over 80,000 members worldwide, making it the largest organization of surgeons globally. The FACS designation after a surgeon's name confirms their qualifications, competence, and ethical standards have passed demanding evaluation.

Why This Matters for You

A surgeon with FACS credentials has voluntarily submitted to peer review. They've agreed to uphold the highest standards of patient care.

Dr. Karlinsky's credentials: She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow Director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, where she has trained other surgeons for over a decade.

3. Evaluate Specialization in Your Procedure

A plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of Brazilian Butt Lifts will likely produce better BBL results than one who performs them occasionally.

Questions to Ask

• "How many [specific procedure] have you performed?"
• "Is this one of your most common procedures?"
• "Do you have before-and-after photos of patients with similar body types to mine?"

Procedure-Specific Expertise at Alluring

At Alluring Plastic Surgery, our team specializes in body contouring procedures popular in Miami:

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
• Mommy Makeover
• Tummy Tuck
• Breast Augmentation
• Liposuction
• Facelift

Dr. Karlinsky's expertise spans facial procedures and body contouring, with a philosophy centered on natural-looking results that enhance—not change—your appearance.

4. Review Before-and-After Photos Carefully

A surgeon's photo gallery tells you more than any credential. But you need to know what to look for.

What to Evaluate

Consistency: Do results look consistently good across multiple patients? One great result could be luck. Dozens of great results indicate skill.

Similar cases: Look for patients with body types, skin tones, and goals similar to yours.

Multiple angles: Quality galleries show front, side, and 45-degree angles so you can evaluate results thoroughly.

Time stamps: Ask when photos were taken. Results at 3 months may look different than results at 12 months.

Natural appearance: Do results look natural? Or do they look overdone? Make sure the surgeon's aesthetic matches yours.

Red Flags in Photo Galleries

• Inconsistent lighting or positioning (can hide imperfections)
• Very few photos for a surgeon who claims extensive experience
• Only showing their "best" cases rather than typical results
• Photos that look heavily edited or filtered

5. Confirm the Facility Is Accredited

Where your surgery takes place matters as much as who performs it.

Accreditation Standards

Outpatient surgery facilities should be accredited by one of these organizations:

• AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities)
• AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care)
• State licensing requirements
• Medicare certification

Accreditation ensures the facility meets strict standards for equipment, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.

Questions to Ask

• "Where will my surgery be performed?"
• "Is the facility accredited? By whom?"
• "What emergency protocols are in place?"
• "Who administers anesthesia, and what are their credentials?"

At Alluring Plastic Surgery, procedures are performed in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology and strict safety protocols.

6. Assess Communication During Consultation

Your consultation reveals a lot about how a surgeon practices. Pay attention to how they communicate.

Signs of a Good Consultation

They listen first. Before recommending procedures, they should understand your goals, concerns, and expectations.

They explain clearly. You should leave understanding exactly what the procedure involves, including risks and recovery.

They're honest about limitations. A good surgeon tells you what's realistic—not just what you want to hear.

They don't pressure you. Consultations should be informative, not sales pitches. You should never feel rushed to make a decision.

They answer questions thoroughly. If a surgeon seems impatient with your questions, that's a red flag.

Dr. Karlinsky's Approach

Dr. Karlinsky's practice revolves around her patients. She takes time to understand individual goals, answers questions thoroughly, and provides clear guidance throughout the process. Her philosophy: cosmetic surgery should be transformative in both appearance and confidence.

7. Understand the Full Cost (And Financing Options)

Cost matters—but the cheapest option isn't always the best value.

What Should Be Included

A complete quote should include:

• Surgeon's fee
• Anesthesia fees
• Facility fees
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits
• Compression garments (for body contouring procedures)
• Any additional costs (like required lab work)

Red Flags

• Quotes that seem too good to be true (they usually are)
• Hidden fees that appear after you've committed
• Pressure to book immediately to "lock in" a price
• No written estimate

Financing Options

Quality surgery is an investment. Many practices offer financing options to make procedures more accessible without compromising on surgeon quality.

At Alluring Plastic Surgery, we partner with financing providers like CareCredit, Cherry, and United Credit to offer flexible payment plans.

8. Read Patient Reviews (The Right Way)

Online reviews provide valuable insight—but read them strategically.

Where to Look

• Google Reviews: Most comprehensive and harder to fake
• RealSelf: Specifically for cosmetic procedures
• Yelp: General reviews
• The surgeon's website: Testimonials (keep in mind these are curated)

What to Look For

Specific details: Reviews that describe the experience in detail are more trustworthy than generic praise.

Recovery mentions: How was the surgeon's communication during recovery? Did they respond to concerns?

Staff interactions: The entire team matters, not just the surgeon.

How they handle problems: Every practice occasionally has issues. What matters is how they respond.

Red Flags

• All 5-star reviews with no specifics (could be fake)
• Recent surge of negative reviews
• Surgeon or practice responding defensively to criticism
• No reviews at all for an established practice

9. Evaluate Post-Operative Care

Your relationship with your surgeon doesn't end when surgery does. Post-operative care is critical to your results.

Questions to Ask

• "How many follow-up appointments are included?"
• "Who do I contact if I have concerns after hours?"
• "What's your policy if I need a revision?"
• "Do you provide guidance on compression garments, lymphatic massage, or other recovery protocols?"

What Good Post-Op Care Looks Like

• Clear written instructions for recovery
• Accessible contact for questions and concerns
• Scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Guidance on when to resume activities, sitting after BBL, exercise, etc.
• Support throughout the entire healing process

At Alluring Plastic Surgery, patient care extends from your first consultation through complete recovery. Our team provides ongoing support and answers questions at every stage.

10. Trust Your Gut

After checking credentials, reviewing photos, and attending consultations, trust your instincts.

Ask Yourself

• Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon?
• Do I trust their judgment?
• Did they listen to my concerns?
• Do I understand what to expect?
• Am I confident in their ability to achieve my goals?

If something feels off, it's okay to keep looking. This is your body and your investment. You deserve a surgeon who makes you feel confident.

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Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Use this checklist during your consultation:

Credentials

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Are you a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)?
• How many years have you been practicing?

Experience

• How many [specific procedure] have you performed?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
• What results can I realistically expect?

Safety

• Where will my surgery be performed?
• Is the facility accredited?
• Who administers anesthesia?
• What are the risks specific to my procedure?

Logistics

• What is the total cost, including all fees?
• Do you offer financing?
• How many follow-up appointments are included?
• Who do I contact with concerns after surgery?

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Why Patients Choose Alluring Plastic Surgery in Miami

We combine credentials, experience, and personalized care:

Board-Certified Expertise: Led by Dr. Victoria Karlinsky, a board-certified cosmetic and general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Specialized Training: Dr. Karlinsky completed fellowship training at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and has trained other surgeons for over a decade as a Fellow Director.

Patient-Centered Philosophy: Every treatment plan is customized to your unique body type, goals, and lifestyle. Dr. Karlinsky believes cosmetic surgery should enhance natural beauty—not create an artificial look.

Comprehensive Care: From your first virtual consultation to your final follow-up, our team provides support at every step.

Accessible Luxury: We believe premium results shouldn't require premium prices. Flexible financing options make your transformation achievable.

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Ready to Find Your Surgeon?

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most important decision in your cosmetic surgery journey. Take your time, do your research, and don't settle for anything less than complete confidence in your choice.

Schedule a consultation to meet Dr. Karlinsky and our team. We'll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you understand what's possible.

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Related:

• Brazilian Butt Lift in Miami
• How Long Does It Take to Recover From a BBL?
• Plastic Surgery Financing Options
• Frequently Asked Questions

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and options.