Let’s face it—more than any gorgeous framed diploma on the waiting room wall, credentials count. Make sure your surgeon sought American Board of Plastic Surgery accreditation instead of merely grabbing any old credential. If that is lacking, shuffle along.

Friends, relatives, even that chatty neighbor three doors down—ask them who they have trusted if they have done any work. Personal experience reveals truths you hardly ever come up on polished web reviews. Sometimes those warning stories are more valuable than gold.

See the variations in the before- and after-images. Stop and thoroughly scan those pictures. Some outcomes seem subtle and favorable; others veer toward the weirdly similar or slightly surprised. Be dubious if every face could be replaced with another and you never knew.

Since your first meeting is make-or-break, come ready as you would be interviewing someone for the most significant job of their life—because, well, you kind of are. Fire those questions: How many times have you carried out this surgery? In what direction might things go? Not here, dodging around the issues. What to look for is confidence matched with openness.

Look at the person addressing you. Don’t hesitate to walk out and not turn around if you never personally meet the real surgeon. The person carrying the knife should be at ease hanging out with you, not only passing the load to their staff.

Gut emotions have great power. After visiting a doctor, butterflies in your gut? Stopped. Someone trying to force you to book quickly is waving a neon caution flag. Not only will a great surgeon discuss painted-on dreams and glittering outcomes, but also hazards and the nitty-gritty.

See reviews, but read between the lines. Though nobody is flawless, does the comments show a consistent trend? Are questions answered or brushed aside? Complaints and compliments reveal more than you would suppose.

Look at the nuts and bolts under attractive lobbies. What is wrong with their backup plans and operational area? There are details here that count. Fancy furniture is lovely, but the nuts-and-bolts safety gear saves you in an emergency.

Go straight into the billing specifics. Get an exhaustive list of expenses. Are tiny surprises hiding in every phase of the process? Random add-ons weeks following the surgery are the last thing you want— sticker shock.

Go gently sweet-wise. One hurried choice might cause a mountain of regrets. Let your ideas to calm down. Discuss your choices with someone who would provide frank comments. Every stride forward should feel correct since this is all about you and your mental clarity.