Who is the best plastic surgeon in New York City? This episode's answer is that there is no single best surgeon for every person and procedure. Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in NYC, examines common shortcuts people use when choosing a surgeon and explains why each needs context.
Originally published September 7, 2020. This is an educational discussion of surgeon selection, not a ranking or an award claim.
Key takeaways
📚 Experience and volume
Years in practice and procedure volume can inform an assessment, but neither tells the whole story about an individual surgeon's approach.
💬 Online reviews
Online reviews can reveal patient experiences, while star counts alone do not establish the quality or suitability of care.
🧭 Referrals and priorities
A friend or physician's referral is a starting point. Ask whether the recommendation concerns the same procedure and the same priorities you have.
🔎 Visibility and marketing
Search placement, social media popularity and frequent mentions in online groups are visibility signals, not proof of surgical quality.
🏥 Office and care experience
The office experience and staff can matter to your overall care, but should be considered alongside the surgeon's experience, communication and alignment with your goals.
🎧 Episode guide
00:00 — Introduction
01:38 — Years in practice and procedural experience
06:32 — Online reviews and search results
08:51 — Personal and physician referrals
12:20 — Social media and other visibility signals
16:56 — Finding the surgeon who fits your goals
💬 Common questions
Should I choose whoever performs the most procedures?
Dr. Smith explains that experience can be valuable, but volume by itself does not establish quality. He encourages evaluating the surgeon from several perspectives and considering their experience with the particular procedure you want.
Is my friend's surgeon automatically right for me?
Not necessarily. Your friend may prefer a different aesthetic result, value different parts of the experience or have undergone a different operation. The episode uses that distinction to explain why a personal recommendation still needs an individual consultation.
Do followers or five-star reviews identify the best surgeon?
No. The recording discusses how these signals can be incomplete or influenced by marketing. They can help generate questions, but do not replace a thorough assessment of the clinician and proposed care.
🔗 Continue your research
The episode builds on the earlier discussion, “How Do I Choose a Plastic Surgeon?” For current practice information, read Dr. Darren Smith's training and background and browse the patient guides. You can also schedule a consultation to discuss your procedure, expectations, alternatives and questions.
About the host — current biography
Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.
Educational information, not individualized medical advice or a guarantee of outcomes. Show notes updated September 30, 2026.
Full transcript and related resources
