The Top 3 Plastic Surgeons in the Dominican Republic

Why choosing your plastic surgeon in the Dominican Republic matters

The best plastic surgeons in the Dominican Republic combine solid training, years of practice and verifiable results. The country is now one of Latin America's best-known destinations for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery: according to figures from the Dominican Society of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Sodocipre), cited by Forbes España, around 80,000 plastic surgery operations are performed each year.

That volume has a consequence: there is plenty of supply, and not every professional has the same level of skill. Choosing the right surgeon makes the difference between a natural, safe result and a difficult experience. In this guide we explain which criteria to look at, how to shortlist your top 3 options and what to ask at the consultation so you can decide with real information.

How to choose the best plastic surgeon: key criteria

To choose among the top 3 plastic surgeons in the Dominican Republic, it is essential to keep in mind each surgeon's experience, training and quality. These are the five criteria to review before booking a consultation:

• Training in plastic surgery. Confirm that the professional completed a residency or postgraduate program in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, not just general surgery. International fellowships are an added value.
• Years of experience. A long track record shows the surgeon has handled varied cases and real complications. Ask how many times they have performed the procedure you are interested in.
• Memberships and certifications. Check that they belong to professional societies such as Sodocipre, the Dominican Medical College or international associations such as ISAPS or ASPS.
• Clinic and safety. Surgery should take place in an accredited facility, with an anesthesiologist, a nursing team and postoperative follow-up protocols.
• Communication and results. A good surgeon evaluates your case honestly, explains the risks, shows you real results and does not promise the impossible.

How to shortlist your top 3 plastic surgeons, step by step

The goal is not to find an official ranking, because there isn't one. It is to build your own short list from verifiable facts:

• Make a long list of 6 to 8 candidates. Start from the member directory of Sodocipre, the society that groups the country's plastic surgeons, and add recommendations from real patients.
• Verify training and memberships. Rule out anyone who cannot show their plastic surgery specialty or their affiliation with professional societies.
• Look for experience in your procedure. A surgeon can be excellent at rhinoplasty and less so at body contouring. Ask for cases similar to yours.
• Read reviews critically. Value the ones that describe the process and follow-up, not just those that say "the best".
• Keep 3 finalists and book consultations. Compare all three using the same table:

Questions to ask the surgeon at the consultation

The consultation is your best tool for comparing. A good surgeon will answer calmly and without evasion:

• Where did you train in plastic surgery and which societies endorse you?
• How many times have you performed this procedure?
• Is this the right procedure for my case, or is there a better option?
• What risks and complications are possible, and how do you manage them?
• At which clinic is the surgery performed and who makes up the team (anesthesiologist, nursing)?
• What does follow-up look like after the operation, and what happens if something does not go as expected?

Red flags: when to rule out a surgeon

If you notice any of these signs, keep looking:

• Prices far below average, or "all-inclusive" packages that give no detail.
• Promises of guaranteed results or results identical to a social media photo.
• Pressure to decide quickly or to reserve a date with a deposit.
• No prior medical evaluation or clinical history.
• They do not show their training or their affiliation with professional societies.
• Surgery in a place without proper medical conditions or an emergency plan.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a plastic surgeon is qualified in the Dominican Republic?

Check that they are a member of Sodocipre, whose website publishes the list of its surgeons, and ask them to show you their training in plastic surgery.

How many surgeons should I consult before having surgery?

It is advisable to compare at least three, using the same criteria and the same questions.

Is the most expensive surgeon the best?

Not necessarily. Price is no substitute for training, experience or the safety of the clinic.

Conclusion

The best plastic surgeons in the Dominican Republic are recognized by three things: specialized training, experience in the procedure you are looking for, and a transparent, safe practice. Shortlist three, compare them by the same standard and choose the one who inspires the most confidence. As an example of a complete professional profile, below is the reference for Dr. Alejandro Hernández Pizzoglio.

Professional reference: Dr. Alejandro Hernández Pizzoglio

Dr. Hernández Pizzoglio is a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, specializing in facial plastic surgery. He practices in Santo Domingo and his documented career began in 1994, adding up to more than 30 years of experience.

Training

• Doctor of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD).
• Postgraduate in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Rhinoplasty Fellow with Dr. Cristian Cordero, Cuenca, Ecuador (2025).
• Fellow, clinical rotation at the Dallas Institute with Dr. Rod Rohrich, Dallas, Texas (2022).

Career

• Head of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Rafael Mañón Hospital, IDSS (2000–2006).
• Professor at the National School of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Salvador B. Gautier Hospital, IDSS (2006–2011).
• Secretary General of the Dominican Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2006–2008).
• Medical staff at Clínica CECIP, Santo Domingo, since 2014.

Memberships: Dominican Medical College, Dominican Society of Plastic Surgery, Ibero-Latin American Federation of Plastic Surgery (FILACP) and American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), among others.

Recognitions: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C. (2010), and Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas (2011).

Contact: Clínica CECIP, Calle Manuel Castillo 20, Gazcue, Santo Domingo. Phones (809) 565-0247 and (829) 372-0606 (WhatsApp).