Why Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon Matters: Expert Insight from Dr. Munish Batra
April 22, 2026Why Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon Matters: Expert Insight from Dr. Munish Batra
My team and I at Coastal Plastic Surgeons would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the 2025 ObesityHelp National Conference and made us feel so welcome in Irvine, CA, this past October. It was truly an honor to share my insights and expertise as a conference presenter, and a pleasure to connect with so many of you. A special thank you to all who participated in the complimentary consultation sessions. At the conclusion of my presentation, I received several great questions, and I’d like to take a moment to address some of them here.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon
I was asked about choosing the right plastic surgeon. How do you know what to look for in a surgeon and to know if he or she is right for you?
First and foremost, it’s essential to choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Surgeons who identify themselves as “cosmetic surgeons” (and even certified by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) ) often do not have the specialized training required for complex procedures following massive weight loss. I regularly see patients who need revision surgery because their initial outcomes were not optimal—something that unfortunately happens when proper expertise is lacking. That’s why ABPS certification is so important when selecting a plastic surgeon.
It’s just as equally important to ask whether the surgeon has extensive experience performing procedures on patients after massive weight loss. These surgeries require a higher level of expertise and technical skills that not every plastic surgeon handles on a regular basis. In massive weight loss patients, incision placement and skin handling are significantly different. For example, when I perform a tummy tuck, I have my patients sit up on the operating table to ensure the maximum amount of excess skin is removed. This allows me to get the best outcomes, as seen in my patient before and after pictures.
Proper incision placement is also critical: an abdominoplasty incision should provide a lift to the pubic area, while a body lift incision should avoid elevating the central buttock, which can otherwise create an unnaturally lengthened appearance. Additionally, a degree of overcorrection is often necessary for bariatric and weight loss patients, as their skin has typically lost the majority of its natural elasticity.
You Plastic Surgery Team Matters
Having a team dedicated to these procedures makes it possible to safely perform multiple surgeries during a single operation. My operating team and I do these procedures on a daily basis and therefore can do a full upper body reconstruction, including an abdominoplasty, breast lift with or without implants, and arm lift all in one sitting and typically in less than six hours.
This approach allows patients to undergo one recovery while achieving the results of multiple procedures, all done with safety as the top priority. It is also important to try and limit the time on the operating table to minimize complications like blood clots, hematomas, and nerve injuries. To date, we have performed over 400 major weight loss reconstructions and have only had to transfuse one patient.
Taking Your Next Steps
I encourage you to visit the website of the surgeon you are considering, carefully reviewing before and after photos, and also, when possible, speaking to their former patients who have had reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss. You can often connect with many of their patients through the surgeon’s practice or center’s social media pages, where you can ask questions, gain insight, and find support.
After you have researched your options and found a plastic surgeon who you feel might be a good fit for you, the next step is to set up a consultation either by telemedicine or in person to get a general idea if you and that surgeon have a similar expectation of what your outcome may be with the surgery(s) you are considering.
Please remember, while cost is always a consideration, it should not be the deciding factor. Unsatisfactory results or avoidable complications are not worth the risk of trying to save money.
Dr. Munish K. Batra has built a world-renown cosmetic surgery practice called Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego, CA.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Munish K. Batra has over 20 years of experience and known for taking on complex surgical cases. The San Diego County Medical Society awarded him twice with the honor of Top Plastic Surgeon in San Diego. He has been featured in the LA Times, People Magazine, and the Oprah Winfrey Show for his outstanding work. Recognized for his bedside manner, humanitarian work, honesty & superb technical skills, Dr. Batra has built a world-renown cosmetic surgery practice called Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego, CA. |
