Top Doctors List - Does It Really Matter?

Depends on the source.  These lists are highly variable in their quality and accuracy.  Some are paid advertisements while others are peer-recommendations.  Find an ASAPS or ASPS member, interview them, review their before and after pictures, and do your research.  Take your time.  Don't make a selection based solely on price.  And always have your surgery in an accredited facility with an MD anesthesiologist or CRNA in attendance.

I agree.  It is of utmost importance that you are seen by a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Once that is established, it is important that you find a doctor that you feel comfortable with.  Talk to some of their patients to see if they were happy with their results.  

The single most important thing to look for when searching for a doctor to perform a breast augmentation is that he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Some "top doctors" lists are good, others are not. It is difficult to know how some lists are made. From El Paso.

In reality, you will find many different responses on this topic depending on whether or not the individual physician has been named in a Top Doc list.  In my town, there is a particular list that is compiled every year that, unfortunately, is an absolute joke.  There have been ophthalmologists in the Plastic Surgeon category, etc.  Now that issue has been fixed but the doctors who are named are named because they are on specific hospital staff and not specifically for their credentials. 

When looking for a good doctor in any field, look at several criteria:


Are they Board Certified?  If so, in what field?

How long have they been performing the procedure you are interested in? 

How many of these procedures do they perform per year?

Are you able to speak with past clients who have had this procedure?

Do you like their before/after photos?

How do they keep up on current trends within their field?

Are they considered a trainer?  If so, why?  (e.g.:  national speaker/consultant/trainer)


But, most importanly, what does your gut tell you?  The absolutely last thing that should dictate who you go to is the price. This is not the most important thing.  Keep in mind that it costs far more to fix a bad result than to achieve a good result in the first place.  Also, keep in mind that many of these "Top Doc" ratings are actually no more than a commercial and that they can actually be purchased.

I hope this helps!

At least in Houston,  we have a number of lists that contain well-qualified surgeons and also some less experienced individuals. 

I lost faith in those, however,  when they placed a Dermatologist under the "Top Plastic and Reconstructive Doctors" list !

Talking about the "Top Doctor's Lists" is a difficult subject. If you are on them it sounds as if you are bragging and if you are not it sounds as if you are envdious. The problem is that there is no definitive list with an proven method of reassuring quality.  

I would ignore those lists as most are marketing ploys. If the doctor pays he/she gets listed. It's really just another type of advertising. What you really want to know is how to find the right doctor for you and your surgery.

It is a 4 step process that involves:

1. getting names of plastic surgeons from friends, doctors, hospitals or the professional society ASPS
2. checking their credentials i.e. where and in what the doctor trained it
3. the consultation – know what to ask by making a list of questions before you go the consult and note how the surgeon acts what he/she says at the consult
4. making a choice – make a consumer checklist after you see a few doctors and objectively see which doctor scores the highest on you list.

Hello, thanks for your question.  I know that there are lots of "Top Doctors' list" out there.  I think the best way to find the right plastic surgeon should be 1) patient referral, 2) credentials, and 3) experience.  You want to see whether your plastic surgeon is board-certified by American Board of Plastic surgery and that she/he is a memeber of ASPS.  Talk to her/his patients.  See her/his pre and postop photos.  In addition, you have to feel comfortable and confident in her ability to deliver the outcome that you want. 

Unfortunately, most "top doctors lists" are not based on reality, but economics, advertise in a certain magazine and PRESTO!  when their "top doctors"list comes out _ there you are.  I am often disgusted at the way these lists are manipulated - it is not at all uncommon to find a plastic surgeon right out of residency listed as a top doc in a large city.  This is quite honestly, a joke and a disservice to patients and those who participate in this ruse should be ashamed. 

There are two important thing to look for  when searching for a plastic surgeon. The first is whether the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are many boards out there, but the ABPS is the only one recognized by the Board of Medical Specialties for Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons. The second is referrals from other patients. Word of mouth advertising is still the best way to get a sense of the quality of work.

As for top doctor lists, some are legitimate, but with others, doctors pay money to get their names in the directory.  Which is why as a consumer, you should not go by lists alone, but by certification, experience, and whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Dr. Babak Dadvand