Choosing your surgeon is one of the most important steps to take before undergoing cosmetic surgery. An informed choice reduces the risk of complications, improves results and ensures safer care.
To find out the essential pre- and post-operative advice and avoid common mistakes,
You can download the free pre- and post-operative guide:
👉 https://guide-patient.myesthetictravel.net/
Essential certifications: SOFCEP, ISAPS, DESC
The first thing to check is the surgeon’s official qualifications.
A cosmetic surgeon must be:
- holder of a DESC in plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery
- registered with the Bar Council
- ideally a member of at least one recognised learned society:
- SOFCEP : https://www.sofcep.fr
- ISAPS : https://www.isaps.org/
These affiliations are a testament to our expertise, ethical standards and commitment to continuous professional development.
Check the surgeon’s experience with your procedure
A surgeon may be very experienced, but not in the specific procedure you require.
Points to check:
- number of similar procedures carried out each year
- before and after photos (unedited)
- management of complex or secondary cases
- specialised techniques (e.g. ultrasonic rhinoplasty, liposculpture, body contouring, cervico-facial facelift, high-definition)
- proficiency in the following operating theatre technologies:
– Vaser® (ultrasound-assisted high-definition liposuction)
– Renuvion® (J-Plasma®) (plasma energy for skin tightening)
– Quantum RF® (high-precision monopolar radiofrequency)
– Morpheus 8® (deep fractional radiofrequency as a surgical adjunct)
– Ergotouch® (precision CO₂ laser applied to the scarred area in a single session, in accordance with the protocol)
– Piezosurgery® / piezoelectric instruments (ultrasonic rhinoplasty)
– RIP-ZX Care® (rib reduction without resection, ‘thin-cut’ technique)
– MicroAire® PAL (Power-Assisted Liposuction)
– Body-Jet® / WAL (Water Assisted Liposuction)
– BodyTite® / FaceTite® / AccuTite® (bipolar radiofrequency-assisted skin tightening and contouring, used in conjunction with liposuction or surgery)
– Endotine® (tissue anchoring system for facelifts or forehead lifts)
– SmartLipo® (laser-assisted lipolysis as an adjunct to surgical liposuction in the operating theatre, in accordance with established protocols)
– Avéli® (targeted surgical treatment of cellulite involving the release of fibrous septa, performed as a controlled invasive procedure)
– Cellfina® (controlled micro-subcision of the septa responsible for cellulite, performed as an invasive procedure)
– 1470 nm / 980 nm fibre laser, depending on surgical indications (subcutaneous retraction protocols)
– Advanced bipolar cauterisation / surgical radiofrequency (the international standard in plastic surgery)
These technologies require specific training, a steep learning curve and a strictly surgical environment.
For personalised support in preparing for your surgery:
👉 https://myesthetictravel.com/les-incontournables/#accompagnement
Pre-operative consultations: what a good surgeon should do
A reliable surgeon must:
- listen to your needs
- analyse your anatomy in detail
- explain the limitations and risks
- refuse if the expectations are unrealistic
- offer a personalised plan
- provide clear answers to your questions
A good surgeon does not push for surgery.
It informs, reassures and educates.
Warning signs you should never ignore
❌ lack of formal qualifications
❌ Refusal to show before-and-after photos
❌ unrealistic promises
❌ “zero risk”, “guaranteed results”
❌ Unusually low prices
❌ Surgery offered without a proper medical consultation
❌ lack of post-operative follow-up
After the operation, for high-quality aftercare near you:
👉 https://patient-expert.myesthetictravel.net/
Price transparency: a key criterion
A reputable surgeon must provide:
- a clear, detailed and legally compliant quote
- An informed consent form must be read and signed at least 15 days before the procedure
- separate charges (theatre fee, consultation fee, anaesthesia fee, hospitalisation fee)
- the conditions in the event of alterations
- a statutory cooling-off period
Beware of prices that are too low:
they often mask a lack of qualifications or a focus on quantity that is at odds with quality.
The importance of post-operative follow-up
High-quality post-operative care has a direct impact on recovery and the final outcome.
Depending on the type of procedure, follow-up care may include:
- regular appointments with the surgeon
- management of oedema
- treatment of bruises
- prevention of fibrosis
If you are not receiving post-operative care, you can be looked after in your area by a certified post-operative specialist:
👉 https://patient-expert.myesthetictravel.net/
To optimise your recovery with the right essentials:
👉 https://myesthetictravel.com/les-incontournables/
High-risk procedures: even stricter criteria for selection
Some surgical procedures require advanced expertise:
- rhinoplasty
- high-definition liposuction
- lifting cervico-facial
- secondary surgery (revision)
- gynecomastia
- combined surgery
In such cases, you should opt for surgeons who are highly specialised in this procedure.
FAQ
Q: How can you check that a surgeon is properly qualified?
By consulting the Medical Council, SOFCEP or ISAPS and checking for a DESC in plastic surgery.
Q: What is the right number of interventions?
A specialist surgeon performs between 50 and 200 procedures a year in their field.
Q: Should we be wary of Google reviews?
Yes. Some reviews may be biased. Prioritise recommendations from real patients who have undergone the same procedure as the one you are considering, and check that the results are consistent.
Q: Why do prices vary so much?
The surgeon’s experience, location, clinic, technique used (e.g. rhinoplasty ultrasonic, liposculpture, body contouring), equipment, and duration of the procedure.
