Islamabad has a growing number of clinics and hospitals offering plastic and cosmetic surgery, which is good news for patients — but it also makes choosing the right surgeon more important than ever. Here's what actually matters when you're comparing options.
Check Qualifications and Training First
In Pakistan, a doctor practicing plastic surgery should hold an MBBS followed by specialist surgical training — typically an FCPS in Plastic Surgery from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, sometimes alongside international qualifications such as MRCSEd (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh). These aren't just letters after a name — they represent years of supervised surgical training beyond medical school. Don't hesitate to ask a prospective surgeon directly about their qualifications and where they trained.
Ask About Experience With Your Specific Procedure
Plastic surgery covers a wide range of work, from reconstructive procedures like flap surgery and scar revision to facial and body procedures. A surgeon's broader training matters, but so does asking specifically about their experience with the procedure you're considering, and what outcomes are realistic for your situation.
Where They Practice Matters
Surgeons training or practicing at accredited teaching hospitals — such as the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad — work within structured clinical governance, audit, and supervision systems. That institutional backing is worth factoring into your decision alongside the individual surgeon's credentials.
A Good Consultation Should Feel Unhurried
A proper consultation involves a real discussion of your goals, a physical examination, and an honest conversation about what surgery can and can't achieve. If a consultation feels rushed, or you leave with more questions than answers, that's worth paying attention to.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Guarantees of a specific result before any examination
- Pressure to book or pay immediately
- Vague or evasive answers about qualifications
- No clear explanation of risks or recovery
Dr. Ibrahim Nasir Idrees is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Registrar (MRCSEd, MACS, FCPS Plastic Surgery in progress) based in Islamabad, training at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. If you're weighing your options, browse the procedures offered to learn more.
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