Deciding to have a cosmetic procedure is only a the first step of the process. Selecting a doctor and practice is the next. Here are 8 essential questions you should ask your plastic surgeon.
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Are you board certified?
Perhaps the most important question to ask your plastic surgeon, is if he or she is board certified. While there are a few different certifying boards for plastic surgery, including surgical societies, a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery indicates the surgeon has extensive and specialized training in plastic surgery.
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What are the risks associated with this procedure?
No surgery is without its risks. Asking what risks are associated with your procedure is not only recommended, it is expected. Find out complication rates with particular surgical procedures in the form of an actual percentage rate. Get familiar with the information and determine if the risk is worth the surgery.
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How many of these surgeries have you done?
Feel free to ask the doctor how many of your specific procedure he or she has performed, and how comfortable he or she is with the particular procedure.
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What medicines and food can I take before and after the procedure?
It’s important to know what you can expect post operation, including what medicines you may and may not take, and what reactions you can expect. You’ll also want to find out what you can consume before and after the procedure. If you’re having facial surgery, ask the doctor if can expect any difficulty eating or drinking post-op.
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What kind of support is offered by the practice?
Your well-being shouldn’t be only the doctor’s concern, but that of the entire practice. Find out what kind of support is offered, such as emotional, pre- and post-op advice and care, and financial support.
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Can you provide multiple before and after photos?
Occasionally, physicians may use stock photography in their marketing and promotional materials. Ask to see the doctor’s portfolio of before and after photos and make sure to ask if the photos are of actual patients of the surgeon.
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Can you provide references?
Along with the photos, ask your doctor to provide you with at least 3 references to patients who have undergone the same procedure. References do not only provide you with real accounts of how the procedure was done, but also may provide valuable insight about patient expectations and the recovery process.
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What are your hospital privileges?
Many plastic surgery procedures can be done in the office. However, should there be any complications knowing what hospital your doctor has privileges at is important. Hospitals have strict requirements for doctor privileges and knowing which accept your doctor will give you additional insight.
For answers to these questions and more, contact St. Charles Plastic Surgery to set up a consultation today.
