How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon for You
The best plastic surgeon for you is not the person with the loudest marketing. It is the surgeon whose qualifications you can verify, whose experience fits your procedure, and whose approach makes you feel informed and respected.
Use this guide to compare surgeons in Bend, Oregon, or anywhere else. Start with objective facts. Then use the consultation to decide whether the surgeon understands your goals and can explain a safe, realistic plan.
Start with board certification you can verify
Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Do not stop at the phrase "board certified." Ask which board granted the certification, then verify the surgeon through the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Board certification is an important starting point. It does not choose a surgeon for you. You still need to review training, procedure experience, the surgical setting, communication, and follow-up.
Review training in plastic surgery
Ask where the surgeon completed plastic surgery training and how that training relates to the procedure you are considering. Plastic surgery covers breast, body, face, and reconstructive surgery. A surgeon should be able to explain the training and experience that support the care they offer.
Also ask how the surgeon stays current. Published research, teaching, continuing education, and professional review can show a serious commitment to the field. Verify specific claims instead of relying on broad labels.
Ask about experience with your procedure
A surgeon may be well qualified and still have more experience in some procedures than others. Ask how often they perform the procedure you want. Ask how they adapt the plan for different anatomy, goals, and prior surgery.
The answers should go beyond a procedure count. A thoughtful surgeon can explain the choices that matter, the limits of the operation, the likely recovery, the main risks, and how they handle complications or a result that needs further care.
Understand where and how treatment will happen
Ask where the procedure will take place. For surgery, ask whether the facility is accredited, state licensed, or Medicare certified. Ask what type of anesthesia the plan may use, who will provide it, and how the team prepares for an emergency.
For an office procedure, ask which parts of the care happen in the office and which findings would make another setting more appropriate. The setting should follow the procedure and your health needs.
Use the consultation to evaluate fit
A strong consultation should feel specific to you. The surgeon should listen to the change you want, examine the treatment area, and explain which options fit your anatomy. You should hear both what a procedure can do and what it cannot do.
Bring questions about benefits, scars, risks, recovery, follow-up, cost, and revision. Notice whether the answers are clear and direct. You should have enough time and information to make your own decision.
Compare complete quotes, not headline prices
Two estimates may cover different parts of care. Ask whether each quote includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implants or supplies, garments, follow-up, and any other expected fees. Ask what could change the total and how the practice handles care that extends beyond the planned recovery.
Price belongs in the decision. It does not replace qualifications, a clear procedure plan, an appropriate setting, or dependable follow-up. A higher price does not prove better care, and a lower price does not prove poor care.
Use before-and-after photos to ask better questions
Photos can show a surgeon's range and aesthetic approach. Look for several examples with a starting anatomy or concern that resembles yours. Check whether lighting, posture, distance, clothing, and camera angle stay consistent enough to make comparison useful.
Ask what procedure was performed, when the postoperative image was taken, and which differences make the example more or less relevant to you. A photograph can inform the conversation. It cannot predict your result.
Watch for red flags
- Vague credentials. The practice says "board certified" but will not name the certifying board.
- Guaranteed results. Surgery cannot promise an exact outcome, perfect symmetry, or a risk-free recovery.
- Pressure to decide. Discounts, deadlines, or fear should not replace an informed choice.
- Little discussion of risk. Benefits should not be presented without limits, possible complications, and follow-up.
- A generic plan. Recommendations should reflect your anatomy, health, goals, and life.
- Unclear aftercare. You should know who will answer questions and manage concerns after treatment.
Why a local relationship can matter
Plastic surgery includes planning, the procedure, and follow-up. A local practice can make visits easier and can give you a clear point of contact during recovery. If you plan to travel, ask how the surgeon handles preoperative visits, early follow-up, urgent concerns, and longer-term care.
Location should not replace qualifications or fit. It is one practical part of the full decision.
Meet Emily A. Borsting, MD
Emily A. Borsting, MD is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She completed a six-year integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of California, Irvine. Her published work spans breast surgery, wound healing, reconstructive technique, and facial analysis.
Her consultation approach starts with the change you want to see. She studies your anatomy, explains the options that fit, and builds a plan around your priorities.
Book a consultation or call (541) 316-0627 to meet with Dr. Borsting in Bend, Oregon.
Questions to ask a plastic surgeon
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Ask the surgeon to name the board, then verify the certification through the board's official search.
How much experience do you have with this procedure?
Ask about the surgeon's current experience, how plans vary between patients, and how they handle complications and follow-up.
Where will my procedure take place?
Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, accreditation or licensing, emergency plan, and why that setting fits your procedure.
What should I expect from recovery?
Ask about help at home, time away from work, activity limits, follow-up visits, and symptoms that should prompt a call.
How will we decide which procedure fits me?
The recommendation should connect your goals with your anatomy, health, recovery needs, and tolerance for scars and risk.