Is AestheticMatch Legit in Miami? What South Florida Residents Need to Know

Updated December 2025

Miami is one of the most famous plastic surgery destinations in the world. It’s also one of the riskiest if you don’t know how to separate legitimate surgeons from high-volume tourist mills and unlicensed operators.

If you live in South Florida—or you’re thinking of traveling to Miami for surgery—you’ve probably seen:

• “All-inclusive” surgery packages at suspiciously low prices
• Clinics advertising miracle transformations in just a weekend
• Horror stories about unsafe facilities and unqualified operators

It’s natural to ask: Is AestheticMatch legit in Miami? And more importantly: How do I stay safe in a crowded, aggressive market like South Florida?

This guide explains why Miami requires extra caution, how AestheticMatch works in Miami and Tampa, the red flags to watch for, and how to verify any surgeon’s credentials yourself.

Why Miami Residents Should Be Extra Careful About Plastic Surgery

The Medical Tourism Problem

Miami is a global magnet for medical tourism. Patients fly in from all over the U.S. and abroad for:

• Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs)
• Liposuction and tummy tucks
• Breast and body contouring packages

The problem is that some businesses treat this like a volume game:

• Pack as many surgeries into each day as possible
• Offer “one price for everything” packages
• Assume most patients will go home and never come back, even if something goes wrong

That can lead to:

• Rushed pre-op screening
• Minimal time with the actual surgeon
• Poor continuity of care once you leave Miami

If you live in South Florida, you’re surrounded by this machine every day. If you’re flying in, you might misinterpret flashy marketing as a sign of quality.

Unlicensed Operators and Illegal Clinics

In addition to legitimate practices, Miami and the wider South Florida region have had recurring issues with:

• Unlicensed operators performing procedures they are not trained for
• Injections or “fat transfers” happening in non-medical settings
• People advertising surgical-level results without being surgeons at all

These setups may cut corners on:

• Basic safety and sterility
• Emergency preparedness
• Proper anesthesia and monitoring

They often rely on:

• Cash-based deals
• Limited documentation
• Patients who don’t know how to check licenses or accreditation

That’s why vetting who is actually treating you and where they operate is non-negotiable.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics and Package Deals

Miami is also known for aggressive sales tactics around cosmetic procedures, including:

• “Book today and save thousands” offers
• Bonuses or discounts for same-day surgery
• Up-sells on add-on procedures once you arrive

The focus can shift from medical suitability and safety to closing the sale, especially in high-volume clinics that function more like retail businesses than medical practices.

If you feel rushed, pressured, or unable to step back and think, that’s a sign the environment is not prioritizing your health.

Language Barriers and Informed Consent Issues

Miami is multilingual, which is a strength—but it can become a risk when:

• Consent forms are in a language you don’t fully understand
• Consults are rushed, with limited time for questions
• You feel unsure about what exactly is being done, what device is used, or what the risks actually are

Informed consent means you truly understand:

• The procedure
• The benefits and alternatives
• The potential complications
• The realistic outcomes

Anything less than clear, comprehensible explanations in a language you’re comfortable with is a red flag.

How AestheticMatch Works in Miami and South Florida

We Only Work With Board-Certified ABPS Surgeons

In Miami and throughout South Florida, AestheticMatch’s core surgical network centers on board-certified plastic surgeons, typically certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or an equivalent plastic and reconstructive surgery board.

That means:

• No “cosmetic-only” shortcuts in training
• No weekend-course “BBL experts” without full plastic surgery training
• No reliance on generic claims like “world-renowned” without verifying credentials

If someone is part of the AestheticMatch surgical network in Miami, they’ve been through formal, recognized surgical training and board certification—not just a marketing makeover.

Miami-Specific Vetting Criteria

Miami’s high-risk environment means AestheticMatch goes beyond basic checks. For South Florida surgeons, vetting focuses on:

• Facility standards: Operating in accredited surgery centers or hospitals, not improvised or back-room setups
• Case mix: Appropriate experience with the specific procedures Miami is known for (BBL, liposuction, abdominoplasty, combined body work), with attention to safety protocols
• Volume and safety balance: Ensuring surgeons are not simply stacking procedures to maximize daily volume at the expense of patient safety
• Communication: Ability to clearly explain procedures, risks, and expectations in the patient’s preferred language, with adequate time for questions

The goal is to filter out the “factory” mindset and focus on quality-focused, safety-first surgeons within the Miami market.

Tampa Coverage for Southwest Florida Residents

For patients in parts of South Florida and Southwest Florida where local options are limited or heavily skewed toward high-volume tourist clinics, AestheticMatch also connects patients with vetted surgeons in other Florida hubs such as Tampa.

This gives you the option to:

• Travel a bit within your own state for a safer environment
• Balance convenience with quality and safety
• Consider surgeons who may not be in the loudest advertising markets, but who meet stronger safety and accreditation criteria

Sometimes the best choice for a South Florida resident is not the clinic with the brightest billboard in Miami, but the surgeon with the strongest training and facility standards, even if it means a short trip.

Red Flags Specific to South Florida's Plastic Surgery Market

"Too Good to Be True" Pricing

Be cautious of:

• Deeply discounted “all-inclusive” packages
• Pricing that is dramatically lower than what similarly trained surgeons charge
• Deals that encourage you to add multiple procedures just to “maximize value”

In a high-cost area like Miami, extremely low pricing often means corners are being cut on:

• Time spent with patients
• Facility quality
• Staff experience and supervision

Safe surgery is never a clearance-sale product.

Procedures Performed in Hotels or Non-Accredited Facilities

Anytime you hear:

• “We do everything in a hotel suite or apartment”
• “We can do this in-office without proper monitoring”
• “The facility details are complicated; just trust us”

you should stop and ask:

• Is this an accredited surgical facility?
• Who approves and inspects it?
• What happens if there’s an emergency?

If you cannot get clear answers, walk away.

Surgeons Without Verifiable US Board Certification

In South Florida, you may see:

• Foreign-trained doctors with unclear or non-equivalent credentials
• Practitioners using vague titles like “cosmetic specialist” without specifying board certification
• Clinics that feature the brand name heavily and barely identify the individual surgeon

A safe choice requires a named surgeon with verifiable training and board certification. If you cannot independently confirm who they are and what their training is, do not proceed.

Pressure to Book Same-Day Surgery

Be extremely wary of any environment where:

• You are urged to undergo surgery the same day as your consultation
• You feel rushed to sign forms you haven’t fully read
• Saying “I want to think about it” is met with pushback or guilt

Ethical surgeons and safe practices will:

• Encourage you to take time to think
• Welcome second opinions
• Provide written information you can review at home

What Makes Miami's Plastic Surgery Scene Different (And More Dangerous)

High Volume of Medical Tourism

Miami’s reputation draws a constant influx of patients from around the globe. That level of demand attracts:

• Excellent surgeons who can maintain robust, specialized practices
• Opportunistic operators and pop-up clinics chasing quick profits

The sheer volume makes it easier for unsafe players to blend in and harder for patients to tell the difference without help.

Inconsistent Facility Accreditation Standards

Not every place that offers surgery in Miami is:

• An accredited surgical center
• Equipped for emergencies
• Staffed with appropriately trained anesthesia providers

Some clinics rely on minimally supervised setups and maximize the number of cases per day, which can strain resources and compromise safety.

Marketing-Heavy Practices vs. Quality-Focused Surgeons

In a market like Miami, you’ll see:

• Practices that invest massively in marketing, influencers, and social media
• Surgeons who put their energy into operating, outcomes, and follow-up, not just branding

The problem is that the loudest voices online are not always the safest hands. Without structured vetting, it’s easy to confuse marketing presence with medical excellence.

Questions Miami Residents Should Ask Any Surgeon-Matching Service

Before using any surgery concierge or matching platform in Miami or South Florida, ask:

• Do you require board certification in plastic surgery, or do you accept any “cosmetic” provider who pays?
• Do surgeons pay to be ranked higher or featured in your recommendations?
• How do you verify facility accreditation and anesthesia safety?
• Do you ever send patients to clinics that operate in non-accredited facilities or non-medical spaces?
• How many clinics see my information when I sign up, and do I control who they are?
• Do you have a human concierge who stays with me through consults and recovery, or do you just send a list and disappear?

Their answers will tell you quickly whether you’re dealing with advocacy or lead generation.

How to Verify a Miami Surgeon's Credentials Yourself

Even with a vetted network, you should always do your own checks.

ABPS Board Certification Lookup

You can:

• Ask the surgeon directly, “Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?”
• Confirm the exact name of the board and the specialty listed
• Use official verification tools from recognized boards to confirm their status

If the surgeon dodges the question or gives vague answers, that’s a serious warning sign.

Facility Accreditation (AAAASF, JCAHO)

Ask directly:

• What is the name of the facility where you will operate on me?
• Is it accredited, and by which organization?
• How is anesthesia handled, and who is responsible?

Accrediting bodies (such as well-known surgery-center accreditors) provide standards for equipment, staffing, and emergency readiness. A legitimate surgeon should be able to answer these questions calmly and clearly.

State Medical Board Disciplinary Records

Every state has a medical board that:

• Licenses physicians
• Tracks disciplinary actions and certain malpractice issues

You can look up a surgeon by name to see:

• Whether they are licensed in good standing
• Whether any major disciplinary actions have been taken

This should be one of your standard due-diligence steps—especially in a high-risk market like Miami.

Why We Started Serving Miami (And What We've Learned)

Serving Miami and broader South Florida is not just a growth choice—it’s a safety mission.

We saw:

• Patients overwhelmed by ads and “package deals”
• High complication and revision rates coming out of certain high-volume setups
• Locals and visitors who genuinely wanted safe options but had no clear path to find them

In Miami, the stakes of vetting are higher. That’s why our work there focuses on:

• Identifying surgeons who embrace quality over volume
• Insisting on board certification and accredited facilities
• Providing human concierges who understand the specific risks of the local market and can help patients navigate them step by step

What we’ve learned is simple: with the right vetting, guidance, and support, Miami can be a place for excellent plastic surgery—not just a cautionary tale.

FAQs

Does AestheticMatch work with surgeons in Miami?

Yes. AestheticMatch works with vetted, board-certified plastic surgeons in Miami and the broader South Florida region. The focus is on surgeons who meet strict standards for training, safety, facility accreditation, and patient experience, not on whoever spends the most on marketing.

How do I avoid unlicensed surgeons in South Florida?

To avoid unlicensed or underqualified operators:

• Always confirm the surgeon’s full name and credentials
• Verify board certification through recognized boards
• Confirm that surgery will take place in an accredited facility
• Be wary of extremely low prices, cash-only deals, and non-medical settings
• Walk away if you feel rushed, pressured, or can’t get clear answers

If you cannot independently verify their training and facility, do not proceed.

Is it safe to get plastic surgery in Miami if I'm from out of state?

It can be safe if you:

• Choose a properly trained, board-certified surgeon
• Ensure the facility is accredited and equipped for emergencies
• Plan enough time in Miami for pre-op, follow-up, and early recovery
• Have a clear plan for what happens if you need help after you go home

The danger comes from high-volume tourist clinics that do minimal screening, rush surgery, and provide limited aftercare. With rigorous vetting and realistic planning, it is possible to have safe surgery in Miami as an out-of-state patient.

What's the difference between medical tourism and using AestheticMatch in Miami?

“Medical tourism” often means:

• Finding the cheapest package online
• Traveling solely for the deal
• Relying on marketing claims without deep vetting
• Having limited follow-up once you go home

Using a concierge like AestheticMatch in Miami means:

• Being matched with vetted, board-certified surgeons
• Having a human advocate who helps you compare options and plan safely
• Focusing on safety, facility quality, and outcomes instead of just price
• Getting structured support through consults, scheduling, and recovery

The goal is to turn a risky, transaction-focused trip into a carefully managed, safety-focused journey.

Can AestheticMatch help me verify a Miami surgeon I already have in mind?

Yes. If you already have a surgeon in mind in Miami or South Florida, AestheticMatch can:

• Help you check credentials and board certification
• Provide insight on facility standards and experience with similar cases
• Offer additional vetted options so you can compare and feel confident in your choice

You are never required to switch surgeons.
The goal is to make sure your decision—whatever it is—is informed, intentional, and as safe as possible.