How to Select the Best Facial Plastic Surgeon

1. Are you board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery?

There are important differences between a General Plastic Surgeon and a Facial Plastic Surgeon. ABFPRS Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgery surgeon has already achieved board certification in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, but has elected to obtain even further training focused solely on aesthetic procedures from the neck and up. General plastic surgeons have a different path for training which is spread out over more areas of the body.  We recommend that you select a facial plastic specialist because all of their experience and their focus is on advanced techniques for the face, head and neck.

2. Are you board certified in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery?

Training to obtain this level of certification is centered on the anatomy from the neck and up.  This depth of knowledge of the functionality and structures of the head and neck area means that the surgeon with this board certification will be able address functionality as well as aesthetics.

3. Have you completed advanced fellowship training?

Fellowship training is an important marker of focused surgical education beyond residency. For facial plastic surgery, fellowship training provides concentrated experience in procedures of the face, nose, eyelids, neck, and skin. For breast and body procedures, patients should similarly look for surgeons with focused training, appropriate board certification status, and experience in the procedures they perform most often.

At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Sean Delaney completed fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on advanced facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and complex nasal reconstruction.

4. Does your surgeon focus heavily on the procedure you are considering?

The best surgeon for one procedure may not be the best surgeon for another. Facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, and body contouring each require different training, judgment, and technical experience. Look for a surgeon whose practice regularly includes the procedure you are considering and who can explain their approach clearly.

5. Have you published more than 10 peer reviewed scientific journal articles or textbook chapters specific to Facial Plastic surgery?

Scientific medical journals accept articles after a thorough peer review process has been completed. The techniques shared in the journals and textbooks must be of the highest caliber so that surgeons can share their successful techniques with others to make sure patients can obtain the highest quality of care. Surgeons who are dedicated to becoming the best in their specialty and who strive to educate others are always at the top of their game.

6. Have you been on the invited faculty of a major course in your specialty on Facial Plastic Surgery within the last 3 years?

Medical specialty societies invite the most respected surgeons in their specialty to share their expertise to other surgeons.  It is an honor to be selected to speak.

7. Are you trusted by physicians and other medical professionals?

Referrals from physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals can be meaningful because these individuals often have a deeper understanding of surgical training, judgment, and patient care. A surgeon who is trusted by other medical professionals has often earned that confidence through consistency, technical skill, and thoughtful patient care.

8. Do you have before and after pictures of patients you’ve operated on?

During your consultation, it is important to ask to see before and after pictures of patients who had similar facial plastic surgery performed by the doctor.  You want to be sure that the surgeon has successful results that look natural.

9. What special honors or recognitions have you achieved?

Awards and recognitions can be helpful, but they should be considered in context. Look for honors that reflect peer recognition, surgical excellence, education, leadership, or meaningful contribution to the specialty.

Dr. Sean Delaney has been recognized as a Texas Super Doctors Rising Star and has received recognition for his contributions to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery education.

10. DOES YOUR SURGEON PRIORITIZE PATIENT SAFETY AND CONSISTENT RESULTS?

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk, and no surgeon can guarantee a perfect outcome. However, experienced surgeons with focused training, careful surgical judgment, and meticulous technique generally strive to minimize complications and provide consistent, natural-looking results.

Patients should also feel comfortable researching a physician’s background, credentials, board certification, and professional history. Most state medical boards provide public information regarding licensure and disciplinary actions.

As you can see, asking thoughtful questions can help you make a more informed decision when selecting a plastic surgeon for consultation and ultimately, surgery. Beyond credentials and experience, it is equally important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon’s communication style, aesthetic philosophy, and approach to postoperative care.

Surgeons who are highly respected by patients, colleagues, and referring physicians have often earned that trust through years of training, experience, consistency, and patient-centered care. While expertise and specialization may place some surgeons at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, many patients feel that experience, safety, and individualized care are worthwhile investments.

At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, patients are cared for by surgeons with focused training in their respective areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Sean Delaney specializes in facial plastic surgery, including facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and complex nasal surgery. Dr. John Hamati focuses on breast and body surgery, allowing patients to receive procedure-specific care within one coordinated aesthetic surgery practice.