In recent years, plastic surgery has evolved from being a discreet personal choice into a powerful social currency—particularly among members of Generation Z, for whom it represents not only a marker of social influence and financial means, but also a perceived competitive advantage within the professional and corporate arenas of the United States. The phenomenon reflects broader cultural shifts that equate youth and aesthetic refinement with ambition, success, and confidence. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there has been a noticeable surge in procedures such as facelifts and other rejuvenation surgeries, a trend increasingly visible among younger demographics who view such enhancements as tools to delay the early manifestations of aging. Equally, the rise in these procedures has been linked to patients who have recently achieved significant weight loss—sometimes through the use of modern weight-reduction medications—and seek surgical solutions to remove the residual excess skin that weight loss alone cannot address.
Yet, attaining excellent results depends heavily on finding a highly skilled practitioner, a challenge that cannot be underestimated. Dr. Daniel Gould, a respected board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Beverly Hills, explained to Business Insider that while many patients fixate on the technical terminology of procedures—debating intricate surgical styles such as the deep-plane or SMAS facelift—the crucial determinant of quality outcomes remains the surgeon’s own expertise, artistry, and training. He has observed, time and again, that two patients undergoing ostensibly identical procedures may experience vastly differing results, depending entirely on the hands of the surgeon performing the operation.
The openness of celebrities such as the Kardashian-Jenner family about undergoing various cosmetic procedures has further normalized and popularized these interventions. However, the prominence of plastic surgery in popular culture has also blurred the distinction between qualified and unqualified practitioners, misleading prospective patients who may assume that all surgeons offering these services possess equivalent credentials. In truth, only those formally certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS)—an official medical board—are fully trained to perform reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries at the highest professional standards. To achieve such certification, a candidate must complete medical school, devote a minimum of five rigorous years to general surgery training, and then proceed through three to six years of specialized residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
In contrast, those branded as “cosmetic surgeons” face markedly less demanding qualification requirements. Physicians already certified in other medical disciplines—such as obstetrics and gynecology or bariatric surgery—may attain certification through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), an organization that, crucially, is not recognized as a medical board. Instead, it focuses solely on elective aesthetic procedures. These candidates can become certified after completing a single year of cosmetic surgery training, performing approximately 300 procedures, and passing a written examination. To the uninitiated consumer, both titles might sound equally legitimate, as both groups may advertise themselves as “board-certified.” Yet understanding this difference is vital when evaluating a practitioner’s specialization, as overlooking such distinctions can lead to devastating results.
As Dr. Gould vividly remarked, the situation can be likened to a scene from *The Wizard of Oz*—it is imperative to “pull back the curtain” and examine who is actually standing there. One of the most significant warning signs, according to Gould, is when a surgeon exaggerates or misrepresents their qualifications. Patients should verify such claims easily by looking up certification details online. Legitimate surgeons list their ABPS certification clearly; by contrast, association with the ABCS or ambiguous claims of being “triple-board-certified” may signal misleading representation or incomplete training. Gould cautions that the best surgeons require only one well-recognized board certification—the one conferred by the ABPS. Those who proclaim multiple or overlapping certifications may be attempting to compensate for the absence of the extensive residency training that defines the gold standard of their field.
Further, prospective patients should scrutinize a surgeon’s portfolio not merely through before-and-after photographs, but by examining videos of post-operative patients in motion. Dr. Gould explains that still images can conceal imperfections—such as unnatural stiffness or asymmetry—that become visible only when the face moves. For example, he describes cases where patients looked flawless in promotional photographs but displayed over-tightened features in real life, a telltale sign of excessive or poorly executed skin tightening that might necessitate corrective surgery.
Many consumers are also drawn in by marketing terms such as “micro-lift” or “mini-lift,” which promise minimal downtime and small adjustments, appealing to the understandable apprehension that accompanies any surgical procedure. However, Gould asserts that there is no true equivalent to “micro” plastic surgery—no genuinely scaled-down version that avoids the complexity or recovery associated with traditional methods. While path-breaking techniques such as “micro-tox” injections can deliver subtler results with Botox by targeting superficial muscle fibers, the same principle simply does not apply to surgical interventions. As Gould puts it, these catchy labels are merely marketing tactics designed to calm a patient’s fears—akin to calling a full meal a “snack” to make it sound more approachable. The truth, as he explains, is that high-level surgeons do not rely on such psychological tools. Instead, the most esteemed practitioners earn their patients’ trust by openly presenting detailed evidence of their outcomes, not by obscuring the true nature of the procedure.
Language itself, Gould warns, can often serve as a window into a surgeon’s level of sophistication. A practitioner who oversimplifies the process or employs overly casual explanations may in fact be signaling a lack of technical mastery. Truly refined plastic surgeries strive for subtlety and naturalism: the goal is rejuvenation without conspicuous alteration. Procedures that overly tighten the skin tend to age poorly over time, resulting in the kind of rigid, mismatched appearance Gould likens to “a jar with the wrong top.” Surgeons who can thoroughly and elegantly articulate their surgical philosophy, the anatomical principles involved, and the long-term effects of their techniques are far more likely to produce refined, lasting, and natural results.
During consultations, patients should feel empowered to ask probing, specific questions about how the procedure is performed and what variations might be expected according to one’s individual facial structure. A capable surgeon, grounded in extensive education and technical expertise, will welcome such inquiries and be able to respond with clarity, precision, and nuance. Conversely, evasive or overly simplified answers may betray inexperience or a lack of genuine competence.
Another common pitfall lies in unrealistic expectations, often fueled by marketing promises or edited online imagery. Gould emphasizes that even the most masterful facelift does not stop time indefinitely; its rejuvenating effects endure for a finite period—typically proportional to the number of years it appears to reverse. Patients should be cautious when confronted with claims that results will last forever or that surgery can entirely “reset” the aging process. Similarly, price can serve as an indirect but important signal of quality. While not every costly procedure guarantees perfection, a dramatically discounted surgery should raise immediate suspicion. On average, facelifts cost approximately $18,474, but fees can soar to $50,000 or even $100,000 depending on the surgeon’s renown, technique, and location. True excellence comes at a premium because it reflects years of training, sustained reputation, and a consistent record of superior outcomes.
As Gould succinctly concludes, finding an “incredible deal” for a facelift most likely means compromising on safety, precision, or aesthetic integrity. People often convince themselves otherwise, yet the fundamental truth remains: the finest surgeons have devoted their careers to achieving consistent excellence, and the value of that experience is inseparable from its cost. In the increasingly image-conscious landscape of modern society, discerning patients would do well to remember that authentic artistry in plastic surgery is never the product of shortcuts—it is the culmination of training, trust, and time.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/facelift-red-flags-from-plastic-surgeon-2025-10
