How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon in Singapore

Ensure the Surgeon Is Accredited in Singapore

Medical accreditation is essential in every healthcare field, often mandated by governmental bodies to safeguard public health. Practitioners are held to exceptionally high standards of clinical excellence and ethical conduct to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.

To make an informed decision when selecting a plastic surgeon, consider the following key aspects and credentials:

• Ministry of Health (MOH) Accreditation
  Verify that the clinic holds MOH accreditation. This accreditation confirms that both the facility and its plastic surgeons have undergone rigorous training and evaluation, meeting high standards of safety and competence.
• Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Registration
  All legitimate plastic surgeons practising in Singapore must hold current registration with the SMC or possess an SMC-approved letter of authorisation to work in a local institution or clinic. The SMC maintains a public register where you can verify your surgeon’s qualifications, check for any disciplinary records, and confirm the validity of their registration.
• Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS) Membership
  While not mandatory, SAPS membership reflects a commitment to higher standards. Members must meet strict entry criteria, pursue ongoing education, and demonstrate professionalism that goes beyond basic licensing.

Ensure the Surgeon Has Relevant Clinical Experience

A surgeon's medical experience is crucial, encompassing not just years in practice but also the depth of their expertise. It is perfectly reasonable to ask about their background to feel confident in your choice. You might consider questions like:

• How frequently do you perform this procedure?
• What outcomes do you typically see with patients like me?
• How do you support patients if complications or concerns arise after surgery?

These conversations can help you understand the surgeon’s approach and ensure you are comfortable with their level of experience.

Book a Consultation with a Surgeon First

Your consultation offers key insight into your surgeon’s approach, communication style, and how well they understand your needs. A meaningful session should feel personalised—where your concerns are heard, your anatomy is carefully assessed, and options are thoughtfully explained based on what suits you best.

Take note of how the surgeon examines you. A skilled cosmetic surgeon will look at your features from multiple angles, explain the implications of your unique anatomy, and guide you through the techniques that can best achieve your goals. This level of care sets the foundation for trust and better outcomes.

Understand the Risks and Recovery Process

Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks, and your surgeon's honesty about these risks reflects their integrity and competence. Be extremely wary of anyone who minimises potential complications or promises unrealistic recovery results.

Recovery timelines vary dramatically between procedures and individuals. Understand not just the average recovery time, but also the worst-case scenarios and factors that might delay healing.

Check the Surgeon’s Professional Reputation

This extends not just to the surgeon but also to the clinic. Look for consistent patterns in patient feedback across multiple platforms. Pay particular attention to comments about communication, staff professionalism, and long-term satisfaction with results.

Seek peer recognition within the medical community. Surgeons who earn referrals from other doctors, particularly from general practitioners and specialists, typically maintain higher standards of care.

Look for any disciplinary actions or legal issues. The SMC maintains records of professional misconduct, and serious legal problems often appear in public records. These red flags should prompt serious reconsideration of your choice.

Clarify All Expenses and Secure Financial Consent

Plastic surgery is a meaningful investment, so it is important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Before committing, ask for a detailed breakdown to avoid unexpected expenses later on.

Your cost estimate should account for everything involved, not just the surgeon’s fee. That includes:

• Anaesthesia
• Facility and operating room charges
• Post-operative medications
• Follow-up appointments

When searching for a qualified plastic surgeon in Singapore, focus on finding one whose expertise, approach, and reputation align with your goals and budget. For enquiries, message our clinic at (65) 9770 0869, or email us at enquiry@andrewtay.com.sg.