They can reveal a plastic surgeon's aesthetic preferences, experience, skill level, artistic eye, and quality of work. Although the before and after photos are an integral part of choosing your cosmetic surgeon, it is important to study the photos with a critical eye.

One of the first things to assess when consulting with potential plastic surgeons is how easily they produce a portfolio of their work and how they react when you ask them for photos. If they balk, make excuses, or act insulted that you asked for pictures, its not a good sign.

A cosmetic surgeon who is confident in his skills will readily offer you many photos and take the time to go over them with you. A good surgeon will go over individual cases and point out similarities that may mirror your personal situation.

He or she should specifically point out what was done to achieve the end results, how your own case figures in relation to others previously performed, and offer answers to any questions you may have.

If a cosmetic surgeon only offers you a few photos, ask if there are any more. If not, why not? Five examples is not enough to base a decision off of - you should be given upwards of a dozen. Some surgeons may have small portfolios because they're very choosy about which pictures they want to show to potential clients.

A confident plastic surgeon will show you not only the occasional shocking metamorphosis that can be achieved, but the results of the average patient and more difficult cases where the outcome may not be as dramatic.

When browsing the photos, take special note of the lighting, makeup, and expression of the clients. If the before pictures have drab backgrounds, poor lighting, no makeup, and the client is frowning, followed by a colorful and happy after photo, it should cast doubts on the surgeon's skills.

Both the before and after should have been taken in the plastic surgeon's office, in front of the same, plain colored background. If it is a facial cosmetic surgery, the hair should be clipped back from the face. Remember to take into account any makeup the client may or may not be wearing, as this can make a great difference in her appearance.

Try to focus on the specific area that concerns you. The target area should look natural, fitting each individual. If everyone is the photos appears exceptionally beautiful, you should also be weary. To make an informed decision, the photos should represent a wide range of patients.

The best before and after photos will make you feel confident in the cosmetic surgeon's abilities. If you find yourself agreeing with the aesthetic choices the surgeon made on different people in the after photos, then he might be a good match for you. Be sure to use other criteria to base your decision on, as photos alone are not enough.