Cosmetic surgery covers elective procedures people choose to change how they look, from facelifts, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery to breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks. Unlike reconstructive surgery, which repairs function after injury or illness, cosmetic work is about appearance, and it's paid out of pocket rather than through insurance. Aurora has 6 practices in this category, ranging from solo surgeons to larger multi-provider clinics offering both surgical and non-surgical options like injectables and skin treatments.
What to look for in a surgeon
Board certification matters more than almost anything else. In the US, look specifically for certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), not just "board certified" in a general sense, since some practitioners hold certifications in unrelated fields. Ask where procedures are performed (accredited surgical facility or hospital, not just an office), who administers anesthesia, and what happens if you need a revision. Before-and-after photos of the surgeon's own patients, not stock images, are worth requesting. A good consultation should include a frank conversation about realistic outcomes, recovery time, and risks, not just a sales pitch.
How we score practices
Our rankings weigh credentials, patient feedback, transparency around pricing and risks, and consistency of results over time. We explain the full method on our methodology page. For a side-by-side comparison of all 6 Aurora practices, see our ranked guide to Aurora's best plastic surgeons.
