Medical training and procedure-specific experience

Your first screening criteria should be medical. Look for clear information about the surgeon's formal training, surgical approach and experience with the procedure you are considering.

Your decision should not depend solely on social media or photographs. A responsible process includes a consultation, diagnosis, discussion of risks and follow-up. You can learn more about Dr. Alexander Lujan's background and approach.

Safety before promises

Be cautious of absolute promises, guaranteed results or quotes that do not account for the surgical facility, anesthesia and follow-up. In plastic surgery, safety begins during planning.

A responsible surgeon should also tell you when a procedure is not appropriate. Not every patient is a candidate at the same time or for the same technique.

Communication and realistic expectations

The consultation should help you understand what may improve, what limitations exist and what recovery may involve. A responsible surgeon translates your aesthetic goals into a medically appropriate recommendation.

If you feel pressured to decide quickly or do not receive clear answers, take time to reconsider and seek a second opinion.

Technology and the surgical team

Technology can support precision, but it does not replace medical judgment. Devices such as MicroAire, ultrasound-assisted systems or Renuvion should be used only when specifically indicated.

Review the clinic's advanced plastic surgery technologies to understand how they may fit into an individualized surgical plan.

Why choosing the right surgeon matters

Demand for aesthetic surgery in Colombia continues to grow, which makes careful selection even more important. The Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery reported 490,944 aesthetic procedures in Colombia in 2024 and noted the country's significant share of international patients. In this environment, patients must distinguish online visibility and bold promises from verifiable medical support.

Choosing a plastic surgeon is not simply choosing a personal brand. It means evaluating training, judgment, safety standards, willingness to say no, clarity when explaining risks and support during recovery. A responsible specialist does not promise absolute outcomes or reduce the decision to a before-and-after image.

ISAPS emphasizes that aesthetic surgery, although elective, is still surgery and involves real risks and potential side effects. Every serious consultation should reflect that principle: aesthetic goals matter, but medical indications and safety come first.

Signs of a thorough consultation

A complete evaluation should review your general health, medical history, medications, previous surgeries, expectations, anatomy and recovery timeline. It should also explain alternatives, because the procedure initially requested may not be the best option for your case.

Transparency is another sign of trust. You should understand where the surgery will take place, who will participate, which technology may be used, what risks apply and how follow-up will work. If the conversation focuses only on price or availability, you do not yet have enough information for an informed decision.

Questions to ask during your consultation

  • Am I a candidate for this procedure, or is there a better alternative?
  • Which risks apply to my specific case?
  • What is included before, during and after surgery?
  • How much time should I reserve for recovery?
  • What results are realistic for my anatomy?

Medical authority and online trust

Online searches often produce rankings, advertisements and claims about the “best” plastic surgeon. A responsible approach is different: it explains the criteria that help patients make informed, safety-focused decisions instead of making unverifiable superlative claims.

Medical trust is built through verifiable information, responsible language, education about risks and consistency between what is explained online and what is discussed during the consultation.

Red flags when choosing a surgeon

  • Guaranteed-result promises.
  • Aggressive discounts without clear information about safety or the surgical facility.
  • No clear explanation of anesthesia or follow-up.
  • Generic answers for very different patient situations.
  • Pressure to pay before a sufficient medical evaluation.

Taking time to compare surgeons using these criteria can help you feel more confident before moving forward with a surgical decision.

Reference sources: ISAPS Global Survey 2024.

Schedule a personalized evaluation

This article provides general educational information. The right recommendation for your case must be defined during a medical consultation that reviews your history, goals, risks and expected recovery.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether a plastic surgeon is trustworthy?

Review the surgeon's training, experience, operating facility, clarity during the consultation, approach to risk and postoperative follow-up.

Are before-and-after photos enough to choose a surgeon?

No. Photos can provide context, but the decision should be based on a medical consultation, safety criteria and realistic expectations.

What should I ask during a plastic surgery consultation?

Ask about the recommended procedure, risks, recovery, anesthesia, surgical facility, technology and follow-up visits.

Should I choose the least expensive surgeon?

Not necessarily. A low price may exclude important safety and follow-up services. Compare the complete surgical plan and medical support.

Can I travel to Medellin for plastic surgery?

Yes, but you should plan enough time for consultation, surgery, recovery and medical clearance before traveling home.