Choosing an aesthetic provider isn’t like experimenting with a new coffee order just for fun. It’s a process that deserves research, thoughtful questions (on both sides) and confidence in your choice. The provider qualified to inject lip filler isn’t the same as the one performing a facelift, obviously, but the process of finding the right fit should be taken equally seriously. Ahead, your guide to choosing a trusted aesthetic provider and the smart questions to ask along the way.
Featured Experts
- Johnny Franco, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin
- Jacob Beer, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Beach, FL
Start With Credentials and Specialties
Credentials are the foundation of a safe and successful experience. That might sound obvious, but social media has blurred the lines between what’s legitimate and what’s just marketing. Austin plastic surgeon Johnny Franco, MD, says it can be surprisingly challenging to tell who’s actually qualified—especially on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where people claim all kinds of credentials.
“Some of the key tips to ask,” he says, “especially when you’re talking about a surgical intervention, include board certification—make sure this is an AMA-approved board—hospital privileges, revision policy, protocol if there are complications or something you’re unhappy with, before and after pictures, checking reviews and training—where people actually got their training, if it was a true plastic surgery residency, or if they did any type of fellowship in additional training.” Dr. Franco knows this vetting process can be “extremely challening for patients,” but he says taking the time to dig a little deeper can make the entire journey smoother.
Do Your Research (and Not Just on Social Media)
Social media can be a helpful starting point—but it shouldn’t be your only one. “I think in this day and age, unfortunately, a lot of patients pick their provider through social media,” says Dr. Franco. “There’s no question that social media can be an incredible tool for education and for getting a feel for your provider. But you also want to make sure it’s not just someone who’s great with a camera, good at a trending dance, or quick with a witty caption because just being funny or good on video doesn’t make someone a great provider.”
“It’s one thing to follow someone online and get a sense of their personality, but it’s another to know what kind of training and experience they have,” he continues. “Find out who’s performing or overseeing the treatments, what kind of training they’ve had and whether there’s a medical director on-site. Is the medical director a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or core provider who can actually step in to help with any problems or complications that arise?”
Though Dr. Franco cautions against putting all your trust in social media, he does see its benefits. “Social media is a great tool to see a provider’s before and after results,” he says. “You can get a better feel for their artistic vision, and many providers take the time to explain their process, which helps you understand their approach and see if it aligns with your goals.”
“I also recommend checking their website, since most certified providers will have a professional site featuring before-and-after photos and detailed procedure information,” Dr. Franco continues. “That adds credibility beyond what you see on social media. Don’t overlook old-fashioned reviews, either. Reading patient stories can reveal a lot about their consistency and patient care.”
“Ultimately, it’s about gathering information from multiple sources, not relying on just one,” he says. “The combination of social media, websites and authentic reviews gives you the clearest picture of a provider’s true skill and patient experience.”
Schedule a Consultation
Your consultation is where everything starts to click—or not. It’s your chance to get a feel for how the provider communicates, how attentive they are to your concerns and how realistic their recommendations sound.
“A great consultation focuses on a patient’s concerns,” says West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Jacob Beer, MD. “The aesthetic provider should ask the patient what his/her biggest concerns are, then tailor a treatment to address them. Providers also should ask their patients what their goals for the appointment are and what they would like to correct during that visit.”
Dr. Beer adds that determining the right course of action shouldn’t fall on the patient. “Patients often think that they need to specify exactly what they should have done, but that responsibility should be on the practitioner, not the patient,” he says. “Practitioners should also be honest with their patients about expectations to determine if a given procedure is right for them.”
Watch for Red Flags
Credentials aside, the way a provider communicates says a lot. Overpromising results or glossing over details can be an early sign that something’s off, says Dr. Beer. “Some of the biggest problems I see in the community are from practitioners who are inexperienced, overpromising and underdelivering. In my experience, if a provider promises a definitive result such as ‘erase wrinkles,’ then it could uncover inexperience. My one question I wish more patients would ask is ‘will this erase my concerns?’”
“Another warning sign is if a provider cannot fully explain their rationale for conducting a procedure in a way that makes sense to the patient,” he adds. “Perhaps the biggest warning sign is if a patient mentions all his/her concerns with suggestions for a large amount of product, and the provider simply agrees without doing a full assessment.” He’s dealt with the consequences firsthand: “I see countless patients who come to me for correction after initially seeing an inexperienced provider who overfilled them because that provider paid closer attention to the number of syringes as opposed to the patient in front of them.”
Trust Your Gut
Even with the proper credentials, chemistry matters. The ideal provider isn’t just technically skilled—they’re someone who listens, explains clearly and makes you feel comfortable every step of the way. If something feels rushed or unclear, take that as a sign to pause.
As Dr. Franco puts it, “You want someone who will stick with you through the good and the bad.” That sense of partnership is often what separates a good experience from a great one.
Cost can also play a role, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. A qualified provider will be transparent about pricing and outcomes—and won’t pressure you into booking immediately. When in doubt, get a second opinion. A trustworthy practitioner will respect that decision.
