How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Miami: 10 Questions to Ask

Miami is one of the world’s most active plastic surgery hubs. With hundreds of surgeons competing for your attention — from board-certified specialists to under-qualified practitioners operating out of unlicensed facilities — the stakes of choosing wisely could not be higher.

This isn’t a decision you make on Instagram. It’s a decision you make after asking the right questions, reviewing real credentials, and sitting across from someone who takes your safety as seriously as you do.

Dr. Nidia De Jesus, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Miami, FL, who has performed thousands of procedures ranging from Brazilian butt lifts and tummy tucks to mommy makeovers and liposuction. She put together this honest guide — ten questions every patient should ask before committing to a surgeon in Miami.

Why Choosing the Right Surgeon in Miami Matters More Than You Think

Miami’s reputation for plastic surgery excellence is real — but so is its reputation for surgical tourism gone wrong. Every year, patients come to Miami seeking cut-rate procedures and end up requiring corrective surgery, facing serious complications, or worse.

The difference between a transformative experience and a traumatic one comes down to a single variable: who performs your surgery. Before you book anything, ask these questions.

Question 1: Are You Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)?

This is the most important question you will ask. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the gold standard in the United States — and it’s not easy to earn. Surgeons must:

Complete an accredited medical school program
Finish a full residency in plastic surgery (typically 5-7 years of post-graduate training)
Pass written and oral examinations
Demonstrate a qualifying surgical portfolio
Commit to ongoing medical education to maintain certification

Many surgeons in Miami advertise themselves as “cosmetic surgeons” without ABPS board certification. That title has no legal protection — any physician can use it. Always verify certification directly at certificationmatters.org.

Dr. De Jesus is ABPS board-certified and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) — the largest plastic surgery professional society in the world.

Question 2: How Many Times Have You Performed This Specific Procedure?

A surgeon who is excellent at rhinoplasty may have limited experience with body contouring. Volume and specialization matter. Ask specifically:

“How many BBLs have you performed in the last year?”
“What percentage of your practice is mommy makeovers?”
“Do you specialize in body contouring, or do you do a wide variety of procedures?”

High-volume surgeons who focus on specific procedures tend to have better outcomes, shorter surgery times, and more refined techniques. When a surgeon has performed a procedure hundreds of times, they know exactly how to handle complications before they escalate.

Question 3: Where Will My Surgery Take Place?

Your surgery should take place in an accredited surgical facility — either an accredited outpatient surgery center or a licensed hospital. Ask:

Is the facility accredited by AAAHC, JCAHO, or the state of Florida?
Who will administer anesthesia — a board-certified anesthesiologist or a CRNA?
What protocols are in place if there’s an emergency?

Never undergo surgery at an unaccredited facility, a surgeon’s office that isn’t a licensed surgical center, or any location that cannot answer these questions directly. This is an area where Miami patients have experienced tragedy from cutting corners.

Question 4: Can I See Before and After Photos of Patients With My Body Type?

Before and after galleries tell you a lot about a surgeon’s aesthetic sensibility and technical skill — but only if the photos are relevant to your situation. Ask to see:

Patients with a similar starting body type
Results at 6 months or more post-op (not just immediate post-op swelling)
Multiple angles, not just the most flattering single shot
A range of outcomes, not just the best cases

A surgeon who only shows perfect cases or refuses to show a realistic range may be curating an unrealistic picture. The best surgeons are confident enough to show consistent, honest results.

Question 5: What Are the Realistic Risks and Possible Complications?

Every reputable surgeon will walk you through the real risks of your procedure before you sign anything. If a surgeon minimizes or dismisses risk questions, consider that a red flag.

For common procedures, you should understand:

BBL: Fat embolism (rare with modern subfascial technique), asymmetry, fat reabsorption
Tummy tuck: Seroma, wound healing issues, nerve sensitivity changes
Breast augmentation: Capsular contracture, implant malposition, BIA-ALCL (extremely rare)
Liposuction: Contour irregularities, fluid shifts, seroma

A surgeon who walks you through these risks calmly and clearly — and explains what they do to minimize them — is one you can trust.

Question 6: What Does the Recovery Process Actually Look Like?

Recovery is where patient expectations most frequently diverge from reality. Ask for a specific, honest timeline — and be skeptical of anyone who makes it sound easy.

At Dr. De Jesus’s practice, recovery includes daily clinic visits during business hours (~8 hours per day) for the first phase after surgery. This means Dr. De Jesus sees patients in person every single day — not once and then a follow-up in two weeks. Included in her recovery program:

7 lymphatic massages
7 IV therapy sessions
Daily in-person surgeon exams

Patients traveling from out of town stay at the Best Western hotel located directly behind the office in Miami (zip code 33134), which offers a free airport shuttle. A companion — family member or close friend — is required for the first several days of recovery.

This level of post-operative care is exceptional and directly reduces complication rates. Ask any surgeon you’re considering: “What does your post-op protocol look like day by day?”

Question 7: Who Handles My Care If There’s a Complication After I Go Home?

Complications don’t always present in the first 24 hours. Sometimes they emerge days or even weeks later. You need to know:

Is the surgeon personally reachable post-op, or do you deal with staff?
What’s the protocol if you develop a seroma, infection, or unusual swelling?
If you’re traveling from out of state, who manages your care when you return home?

Practices with an established post-op protocol and direct surgeon access have dramatically better outcomes than those where patients feel abandoned after leaving the operating room.

Question 8: What Is Included in the Quoted Price?

Pricing in Miami plastic surgery is notoriously murky. A low advertised price often excludes:

Anesthesia fees
Facility fees
Pre-operative labs and testing
Compression garments and supplies
Follow-up visits and post-op care
Revision fees (if needed)

Always ask for a fully itemized cost breakdown — not just the surgical fee. A quote that looks affordable can double once everything is added. Transparency on pricing is a sign of a trustworthy practice.

For cost benchmarks, see our guides on mommy makeover pricing in Miami and tummy tuck costs.

Question 9: Do You Have Hospital Privileges?

Hospital privileges mean a surgeon has been credentialed and approved to perform procedures at a licensed hospital. This isn’t always required for outpatient surgery — but it signals that the surgeon has undergone external vetting by a hospital credentialing committee.

Ask whether the surgeon you’re considering maintains active hospital privileges, and at which hospital. It’s a quality signal that adds an independent layer of accountability beyond self-certification.

Question 10: What Is Your Revision Policy?

Even with the best surgeons, outcomes occasionally need refinement. Before you commit, ask clearly:

If I’m not satisfied with the results, what’s your revision policy?
Is there an additional surgical fee, or are minor revisions included?
What timeline applies — how long is the revision window?

Surgeons who are confident in their work and committed to patient satisfaction will have a clear, honest policy. Vague answers or outright resistance to revision conversations should give you pause.

Red Flags to Watch for in Miami

Beyond the ten questions above, keep an eye out for these warning signs when evaluating any Miami plastic surgeon:

Pressure to book quickly — “This price expires tonight” is a manipulation tactic, not a medical practice
No in-person consultation — A surgeon who quotes you without meeting you in person doesn’t know your body or your goals
Suspiciously low prices — Safe surgery has real costs; dramatically below-market pricing usually means corners are being cut somewhere
Lack of verifiable credentials — If you can’t confirm board certification and licensure through official channels, keep looking
Before/after photos that look edited — Overly smooth, suspiciously perfect photos may not reflect actual patient results
No written care plan for recovery — Any reputable surgeon gives you a detailed post-op protocol in writing before your procedure

What to Expect at a Consultation With Dr. De Jesus

At Dr. Nidia De Jesus’s Miami practice, consultations are conducted in person at 51 SW 42nd Ave STE 105, Miami, FL 33134. During your consultation, Dr. De Jesus will:

Review your medical history and current health status
Discuss your goals and aesthetic priorities honestly
Explain which procedures — alone or in combination — align with your goals
Walk you through the realistic recovery process, day by day
Answer every question on this list and any others you bring
Provide a complete, transparent pricing breakdown

Dr. De Jesus is known among her patients for her directness and honesty. She’ll tell you when a procedure won’t achieve what you’re hoping for — and she’ll tell you what will.

Explore other procedures she specializes in: breast augmentation, hair transplant, and plastic surgery recovery in Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify if a plastic surgeon is board-certified in Miami?

Visit certificationmatters.org and search for the surgeon by name. This is the official verification tool for the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). You can also check the Florida Department of Health’s physician verification portal at floridahealth.gov.

What’s the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?

In the United States, “plastic surgeon” refers specifically to physicians who have completed accredited residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and are eligible for ABPS certification. “Cosmetic surgeon” is an unregulated marketing term that any physician — regardless of specialty or training — can legally use. Always confirm ABPS board certification, not just the word “cosmetic.”

Is it safe to get plastic surgery in Miami?

Yes — when performed by a board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility with a proper post-operative care protocol. Miami has world-class plastic surgeons. The key is due diligence: verifying credentials, asking the right questions, and choosing a surgeon whose care extends well beyond the operating room. See our full comparison of plastic surgery safety across Miami, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon?

Most experienced patients recommend at least two consultations with different surgeons before making a decision. This gives you a baseline for comparing surgical approaches, bedside manner, pricing transparency, and comfort level. You’re not obligated to book with the first surgeon you meet — take the time you need.

What’s the best question to ask at a plastic surgery consultation?

“What would you recommend if this were your family member?” This question cuts through polished marketing and often elicits the most honest guidance. Surgeons who are genuinely committed to outcomes will answer directly. Those who deflect or redirect to a sales conversation tell you something important.

Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?

Dr. Nidia De Jesus welcomes patients from Miami and across the country for in-person consultations. Her practice is built on transparency, medical excellence, and a post-operative care model that prioritizes your safety every step of the way.

Call us: (305) 600-3736
Email: info@nidiadejesusmd.com
Address: 51 SW 42nd Ave STE 105, Miami, FL 33134

Your consultation is free. Your decision should be fully informed. We’re here to make sure it is.