The best way to ensure that you get the results you’re looking for from your plastic surgery procedure is if you and your surgeon work openly together. A good plastic surgeon will have no problem helping you achieve your goals while being realistic about what the end result will be.
It’s a good idea to meet with several plastic surgeons so that you can get a feel for how different surgeons operate – and not just on the table. Surgeons are people, so you’ll find that their personalities are very different from one another. Some are very serious while others are more relaxed. Despite their disposition, all plastic surgeons should be open to hearing about what your goals, motivations and expectations for having the procedure.
Here are excellent questions to ask your surgeon during the consultation process.
Are you Board Certified?
The gold standard in the field is to be a board certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This indicates that the surgeon has completed extensive training and demonstrates experience and knowledge in their field. There are other certifying boards and medical societies, so don’t necessarily write the surgeon off if they don’t belong to the ABPS. Do be sure that you confirm the answer by visiting abplsurg.org.
How many times have you done this procedure?
You surely don’t want to be one of the first surgeries that the surgeon is performing. The more experience, the better. Don’t hesitate to ask for photos of previous clients who had the surgery. Many surgeons offer before-and-after photos, much like a portfolio of their work. You may also ask for several references. Plastic surgeons who are proud of their work won’t mind.
What other staff will assist with the procedure?
It won’t be just you and the surgeon in the operating room. There will also be support staff, and you should ask who these people are and what qualifications they have. Plastic surgeries are done at many locations, including hospitals, teaching hospitals, outpatient clinics and offices, so the staff can differ.
Where will the procedure be done?
Since so many surgeons operate out of different locations, ask where your procedure will be performed. You may be able to choose, as many surgeons are at different locations different days of the week. If the procedure you’re having is a quick outpatient one, you may feel better going to the office. If, however, the surgery is more invasive, having the work done at the hospital may be your better bet.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
The type of anesthesia used is dependant on the extensiveness of the procedure. Some procedures only require IV sedation while others use general anesthesia or local anesthesia (which is the safest bet). The important thing is that you are kept comfortable while minimizing the risks of anesthesia.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Many people are afraid to hear of the risks, especially since doctors have to inform clients of all of them. Most surgeries are performed with no problems at all, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects, which commonly include bleeding, infection and adverse reactions to the anesthesia.
What are the fees for the surgery?
Ask for a breakdown of the fees for each part of the procedure, as there are specific costs for the operating room, anesthesia, lab fees and the surgeon’s fee. You don’t want to be surprised with an excessive bill after your procedure.
The worst thing you can do is not ask the right questions because you’re embarrassed or uncomfortable. Make the most of your consultation so that you can move on confidently with the right surgeon.