PROVIDER STANDARDS
Choosing a provider is one of the biggest, most personal steps in your beauty journey. We know it can feel overwhelming. We vet credentials, qualifications, and reviews—so you can book with more confidence.
Here’s how we keep it real behind the scenes.
MEDICAL LICENSE CHECKS—NOT JUST ONCE
Before a doctor ever appears on RealSelf, we make sure their medical license is valid and in good standing. And we don't stop there—we regularly re-check that they're still clear to practice.
Providers also have to agree to our Health Care Provider Code of Conduct .
If their license is suspended or revoked, we deactivate their profile. And we show their license status next to their name, so you always know where things stand.
If a provider has administrative actions related to their RealSelf account, their profile will say 'Account Suspended.'
QUALIFICATIONS BY PROCEDURE
The RealSelf Doctor Finder isn't just a search tool—it's a gatekeeper.
When you search for a procedure, we only show providers who are board certified or credentialed to perform it safely. No cutting corners. No pretending to be an expert in something they're not trained to do.
When you ask a doctor on RealSelf, only providers with the right credentials can answer. For example: only board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, or ENT surgeons (otolaryngologists) can weigh in on rhinoplasty.
Check any provider's profile to see their board certifications, society memberships, and fellowships. We vet these so that you can make smart, confident decisions with real peace of mind.
Because beauty should never feel risky.
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER CREDENTIALS
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Board-certified plastic surgeons have advanced training in the full spectrum of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for the face, eyes, nose, breasts, and body.
Doctors who call themselves plastic surgeons must be certified by one of these boards.
- American Board of Plastic Surgery
- American Osteopathic Board of Surgery – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada
- General Medical Council (Specialist Register – Plastic Surgeon)
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Specialist Register – Plastic Surgeon)
Board-certified facial plastic surgeons have advanced training in performing rhinoplasties, facelifts, chin and jaw surgeries, eyelid lifts, and other head and neck procedures.
They must be certified by one of these boards.
- American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- European Board for Certification in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- International Board for Certification in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Surgeons who've completed facial plastic surgery fellowships verified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, or any International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies, may also qualify for participation on RealSelf as a facial plastic surgeon (including answering consumer questions about these procedures), pending approval from our team.
Otolaryngologists are board certified in head, neck, and throat surgery. Also called ENTs, these doctors are qualified to perform functional rhinoplasties and other facial surgeries.
ENTs must be certified by one of these boards.
- American Board of Otolaryngology
- American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Plastic Surgery
- General Medical Council – UK (Specialist Register – Otolaryngology)
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Specialist Register – Otolaryngology)
Those who have also completed a facial plastic fellowship can perform cosmetic facial surgeries.
Oculoplastic or oculofacial surgeons are experts in eyelid surgery and other eye-related procedures.
We recognize certification through one of these boards.
- American Board of Ophthalmology
- American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Ophthalmology)
- General Medical Council – UK (Specialist Register – Ophthalmology)
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Specialist Register – Ophthalmology)
We then verify fellowship in ophthalmic surgery through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Canadian Society of Oculoplastic Surgery, British Oculoplastic Surgery Society, or Australian and New Zealand Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons.
In addition to nonsurgical treatments, dermatologic surgeons are qualified to perform liposuction, fat transfer, and Mohs surgery.
Qualified dermatologic surgeons have been certified by one of these boards.
- American Board of Dermatology
- American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Dermatology)
- General Medical Council – UK (Specialist Register – Dermatology)
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Specialist Register – Dermatology)
They must also be a fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons, Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery, or British Society for Dermatologic Surgeons.
You can see more detailed surgical board certification requirements—including those for oral and maxillofacial surgeons—in our Healthcare Listing Criteria.
NONSURGICAL TREATMENTS
Nonsurgical treatments like Botox, CoolSculpting, or dermal fillers can be performed by any physician,
surgeon, or licensed health care practitioner on RealSelf. But some other providers also have the training
to do them safely. Laws for who is allowed to perform nonsurgical treatments vary by country and state.
The RealSelf
RealSelf Doctor Finder
reflects these laws, showing you only the doctors and providers who meet local regulations for the procedure
you’re considering.
Start with a board-certified doctor who can help you consider the risks and potential benefits of all your
treatment options. Once they’ve recommended a plan, your nonsurgical treatment might be done by a qualified
nurse practitioner, registered nurse, physician assistant, or licensed aesthetician on their staff.
RealSelf recognizes the following qualifications for providers performing nonsurgical treatments.
APRNs or RNs must meet one of these criteria.
- An active license from the National Council of State Board of Nursing
- A higher level of education (Master of Science in Nursing at a minimum)
- Certification and licensing by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Credentialing Center, or National Certification Corporation
PA-Cs must have passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and have:
- Certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
- A higher level of education (Master of Science in Nursing at a minimum)
- An active state license