Is Plastic Surgery Right for You? Key Insights & Red Flags to Avoid Bad Doctors

Plastic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures have never been more popular. With celebrities seemingly aging in reverse and new technologies making enhancements more accessible, many people are wondering whether they should consider a procedure—and how to do it safely.

In a recent episode of The So She Slays Podcast, host Heather sat down with Lucy Alexandra, CEO of Smooth Body Contours Med Spa, to discuss the ins and outs of body contouring, non-surgical enhancements, and the warning signs to watch for when seeking a cosmetic procedure.

Before deciding on a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to assess whether it aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle. Lucy shares some key factors to consider:

1. Identify Your Goals

Are you looking to reduce fine lines, contour your body, or enhance certain features? Understanding what you want will help determine the best procedure for you.

Not every procedure delivers dramatic transformations. A reputable doctor will help set realistic expectations based on your body type and desired outcome.

2. Understand Your Health Risks

Your medical history plays a significant role in determining whether a procedure is safe for you. Conditions like diabetes or hypertension may limit your options, so a thorough consultation is crucial.

From Botox and PDO threading to liposuction alternatives like Smooth Lipo, each method has benefits and risks. It’s essential to find a procedure that suits your needs and recovery tolerance.

Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Cosmetic Doctor

Not every provider prioritizes patient safety. Lucy highlighted some major red flags to watch out for when selecting a cosmetic doctor or med spa:

1. They Offer Too Many Services

If a provider claims to specialize in everything from Botox to BBLs and CoolSculpting, proceed with caution. A trustworthy doctor focuses on specific treatments and excels in their expertise.

2. No Thorough Consultation

A proper consultation should include an assessment of your medical history, a discussion of your goals, and an explanation of realistic outcomes. If a provider rushes you into a procedure without addressing these aspects, that’s a warning sign.

3. No Before & After Photos

Always check for real patient results. If a provider cannot show before-and-after photos or if the images appear overly edited, reconsider your choice.

4. They Don’t Check Your Medical History

A responsible provider will review your health conditions and medications to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. Skipping this step is a major red flag.

5. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

If a clinic is more focused on getting your payment upfront than explaining the procedure, that’s a bad sign. Quality providers prioritize patient safety over sales.

How to Find a Reputable Cosmetic Provider

To ensure you’re in safe hands, consider the following when researching cosmetic providers.

Verify licensing and credentials of the doctor. Each state has an official board where you can check a doctor’s license and background. Make sure your provider is properly certified. Don’t be afraid to visit the facility and take a tour. The clinic should be clean, professional, and state-approved. Avoid providers operating in questionable locations or home-based settings.

Ask all the questions. Don’t hesitate to ask how many procedures the provider has performed, what their success rate is, and whether they can provide real patient testimonials. Then last but not least you have to be patient. The best providers often have waitlists. If a clinic can schedule you immediately for an invasive procedure, take that as a potential red flag.

Whether you want to enhance your appearance or embrace your natural beauty, the decision should be entirely your own. As Lucy emphasized, cosmetic procedures can be empowering, but only when done safely and for the right reasons.

Want more expert insights? Listen to the full So She Slays Podcast episode below!