How the Right Credentials Protect Your Safety and Your Results
In recent months, national news stories have highlighted patients taking legal action against plastic surgeons after unsafe experiences or disappointing outcomes. These situations are an important reminder that plastic surgery is a medical decision that deserves thoughtful research and careful consideration.
Choosing a surgeon is not just about aesthetics or before and after photos. It is about safety, training, accountability, and trust. Taking the time to understand a surgeon’s credentials and the standards of the practice you choose can make a meaningful difference in both your experience and your outcome.
Below are key factors every patient should consider, and how The Facial Surgery Center exemplifies these standards.
Accreditation Sets the Foundation for Safety
Accreditation is one of the clearest indicators that a surgical facility prioritizes patient safety. Accredited surgery centers must meet strict national standards related to cleanliness, emergency preparedness, anesthesia protocols, and overall quality of care.
The Facial Surgery Center operates within a nationally accredited ambulatory surgical environment. This means patients are treated in a setting that is regularly evaluated to ensure best practices are followed at every step, from consultation through recovery.
Board Certification Truly Matters
One of the most important credentials to look for when researching a plastic surgeon is board certification. Board certification confirms that a surgeon has completed extensive education, specialized surgical training, and rigorous examinations in their field. It also reflects a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to high ethical and safety standards.
At The Facial Surgery Center, patients benefit from exceptional physician credentials. Dr. Marcelo Hochman is double board-certified in plastic surgery and head/neck surgery, a distinction that reflects advanced expertise in facial anatomy, aesthetics, and reconstructive techniques. This dual training provides a deep understanding of both form and function, particularly when it comes to facial procedures.
In addition, Dr. Sami Tarabishy is board-certified in plastic surgery, a milestone that underscores his advanced training, surgical skill, and commitment to patient safety. For patients, board certification provides added confidence that their care is guided by nationally recognized standards and proven expertise.
Both Dr. Hochman and Dr. Tarabishy are members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – the world’s largest society of facial plastic surgeons.
Physician-Led Care Makes a Difference
Not all aesthetic practices are structured the same way. In some settings, procedures and treatments may be performed by non-physician providers. That is why it is important to understand who will be delivering your care.
At The Facial Surgery Center, all surgical and non-surgical procedures are performed by medical doctors. This physician-led approach ensures that every patient benefits from advanced medical training, sound clinical judgment, and a higher level of accountability throughout their care.
Anesthesia Deserves Careful Attention
Anesthesia plays a critical role in any surgical procedure and should never be overlooked during the decision making process. Safe anesthesia requires constant monitoring and expert oversight.
The Facial Surgery Center uses MD anesthesiologists for surgical cases. Having a physician dedicated exclusively to anesthesia management adds an important layer of safety and allows the surgical team to remain fully focused on patient wellbeing.
Awards That Reflect Leadership, Trust, and Excellence
Awards and professional recognition offer valuable insight into a practice’s reputation and leadership within the community. They often reflect not only clinical skill, but also long-standing commitment to patients, innovation, and ethical care.
Dr. Marcelo Hochman has received several notable leadership and professional honors. Most recently, he was named a 2025 Most Influential Leader by SC Biz News, recognizing his impact on South Carolina’s healthcare and business landscape. He has also been awarded 1st Place Best Plastic Surgeon in the 2025 Charleston’s Choice Awards, a distinction driven by community and patient support.
These recognitions reinforce what patients experience every day at The Facial Surgery Center. They reflect consistent excellence, trusted leadership, and a deep commitment to quality outcomes.
A Decision Worth Taking Seriously
Social media and before and after images can be helpful tools, but they should never be the only factors guiding your choice. Researching accreditation, board certification, physician credentials, anesthesia standards, and professional recognition provides a more complete picture of how a practice approaches patient care.
Choosing a plastic surgeon is a deeply personal decision. By selecting a practice like The Facial Surgery Center that emphasizes accredited facilities, board-certified physicians, MD-performed care, physician-administered anesthesia, and recognized leadership, you are choosing experience, transparency, and care you can trust.
