What qualification should a plastic surgeon have in India?

A specialist qualification in plastic surgery, such as an M.Ch. in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or a DNB in Plastic Surgery, after a basic surgical degree, along with registration with a state medical council or the National Medical Commission.

How can I check a doctor's registration?

The National Medical Commission's Indian Medical Register lets you search registered doctors by name, registration number or state medical council.

Which doctor does gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is usually performed by plastic surgeons, who are trained in liposuction, gland removal and chest contouring. Ask about their experience with your grade of gynecomastia.

Are before-and-after photos a reliable guide?

They can show a surgeon's style, but they show selected results. Ask whether photos are of the surgeon's own patients, are unedited, and include people similar to you.

Should I choose based on price?

Price matters, but safety, qualifications, the facility and aftercare matter more. Compare itemised quotes that include the same items.

Is it acceptable to get a second opinion?

Yes. A good surgeon welcomes questions and second opinions, especially for major or elective operations.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Pune: Checklist

How to choose a plastic surgeon in Pune: check their specialist qualification in plastic surgery and medical council registration, ask how often they perform your operation, find out where it will be done and who gives the anaesthesia, and expect clear answers on risks, aftercare and costs, whether for gynecomastia surgery or reconstruction.

Why does the choice of surgeon matter?

Plastic surgery is real surgery, with anaesthesia, healing and risks. Your surgeon’s training, judgement and honesty shape whether the operation suits you, how safely it is done, and how well problems are handled if they arise. Taking time to choose carefully is worthwhile, whether the operation is cosmetic or reconstructive.

A checklist for choosing a plastic surgeon

Check	What to look for
Specialist qualification	An M.Ch. or DNB in plastic surgery, not only a general title
Registration	Listed with a state medical council or the National Medical Commission
Experience	Regularly performs your operation; can explain typical results and complications
Facility	Surgery in a hospital or accredited day-care theatre with emergency backup
Anaesthesia	Given by a qualified anaesthetist for sedation or general anaesthesia
Consultation	Unhurried, with examination, options, alternatives and risks discussed
Aftercare	Clear follow-up plan and a way to reach the team after surgery
Cost	Written, itemised estimate with what is and is not included

What should happen at a good consultation?

The surgeon listens to what bothers you and why.
You are examined, not just shown a brochure.
Options are explained, including non-surgical choices and doing nothing.
Risks, recovery and realistic results are discussed openly.
Questions about your health, medicines and mental well-being are asked; for some operations, such as rhinoplasty, guidelines recommend screening for excessive distress about appearance.
You are given time to decide, and not pressured with limited-time offers.

What questions should you ask?

What is your qualification in plastic surgery, and where are you registered?
How often do you perform this operation?
Where will the operation take place, and who will give the anaesthesia?
What results are realistic for me?
What are the common and serious risks, and how are complications handled?
What does aftercare involve, and whom do I contact at night?
What is included in the estimate?

What do titles and qualifications mean?

Doctors may describe themselves in different ways, so look at the qualification behind the title. In India, specialist training in plastic surgery is shown by an M.Ch. in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or a DNB in Plastic Surgery, completed after a surgical degree such as M.S. General Surgery. The doctor should also be registered with a state medical council or the National Medical Commission, which you can check on the Indian Medical Register.

What should you bring to a consultation?

A list of your medicines, supplements and allergies.
Reports of previous operations, scans and blood tests.
Photographs, if they help explain what bothers you.
Your written questions, and someone to come with you if you would like support.

What are the red flags?

Promises of perfect or lifelong results, or claims that a procedure has no risk.
Pressure to book quickly, or discounts that expire within days.
No examination before a price or plan is given.
Surgery in a setting without proper theatre or emergency facilities.
Vague answers about qualifications, registration or who will operate.
No follow-up plan.

Myths about choosing a surgeon

“The most-followed surgeon online is the most skilled.” Social media reach does not measure training or safety.
“A cosmetic procedure is minor, so any doctor will do.” Cosmetic operations carry real surgical risks.
“Expensive means safe.” Check qualifications, the facility and aftercare, whatever the price.
“Reviews tell the full story.” Reviews help but are only one part of the picture.

Practical points about location and follow-up

Choose a surgeon you can reach easily for follow-up visits and, if needed, at short notice in the weeks after surgery. Ask which hospitals the surgeon operates in, and plan travel for dressing changes and reviews.

Next steps

Bring your questions, medical history and medicines list to the consultation, and take notes. For cost questions, see what affects rhinoplasty cost and what decides liposuction cost. Men considering chest surgery can read about gynecomastia surgery.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Pune

Dr. Sushrut explains gynecomastia