Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a personal decision, and selecting the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps in your journey. Whether you’re considering a facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, or another cosmetic procedure, the surgeon you choose can significantly impact your safety, experience, and results.
At St. Charles Plastic Surgery, we encourage patients to do their research, ask questions, and feel completely confident before moving forward with any procedure. Here are ten important questions every patient should ask during the consultation process.
1. Are You Board Certified?
Board certification is one of the first qualifications you should verify. It demonstrates that a surgeon has completed extensive education, specialized training, and rigorous examinations in plastic surgery.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon helps ensure you’re working with someone who meets high professional standards and stays current with advances in patient care.
Learn more about Dr. Bahram Ghaderi and his experience.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have With My Procedure?
Not every plastic surgeon performs every procedure with the same frequency.
Ask how often your surgeon performs the specific procedure you’re considering, whether it’s:
- Breast augmentation
- Facelift
- Tummy tuck
- Liposuction
- Fat transfer
- Breast reduction
Surgeons who routinely perform these procedures often have extensive experience managing both expected outcomes and unique patient situations.
Explore our full range of Procedures.
3. Am I a Good Candidate?
Every patient is unique.
A qualified surgeon should honestly explain whether you’re a good candidate based on your:
- Medical history
- Overall health
- Lifestyle
- Goals
- Expectations
An ethical consultation sometimes includes recommending alternatives if surgery isn’t currently the best option.
4. What Results Can I Realistically Expect?
Plastic surgery enhances your appearance—but realistic expectations are essential.
Your surgeon should explain:
- Expected improvements
- Surgical limitations
- Healing timeline
- Long-term results
- Potential risks
Reviewing before-and-after photos can help you better understand possible outcomes.
Visit our Photo Gallery to see actual patient results.
5. What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure.
Ask questions such as:
- How much downtime should I expect?
- When can I return to work?
- When can I exercise?
- What restrictions will I have?
- How long will swelling last?
Understanding recovery ahead of time helps you prepare for a smoother healing process.
Our FAQ page answers many common patient questions.
6. Where Will My Procedure Be Performed?
Safety should always be a priority.
Ask whether your procedure will be performed in an accredited surgical facility and who will be involved in your care during surgery and recovery.
A private practice often allows for more personalized attention throughout your experience.
Learn why many patients choose our practice by visiting Why Choose St. Charles Plastic Surgery and Why Choose a Private Practice.
7. What Are the Costs?
Understanding the full financial picture helps you make an informed decision.
Ask about:
- Surgical fees
- Facility costs
- Anesthesia
- Follow-up appointments
- Financing options
Visit our Plastic Surgery Costs page and learn about available Financing Options.
8. What Do Other Patients Say?
Patient reviews and testimonials offer valuable insight into the overall experience.
While every patient’s journey is unique, positive feedback often reflects consistent communication, professionalism, and quality care.
Read our Testimonials and Patient Reviews.
9. What Happens After Surgery?
Excellent care doesn’t end when surgery is complete.
Ask about:
- Follow-up appointments
- Recovery monitoring
- Scar care
- When to contact the office
- Long-term care recommendations
A surgeon who provides comprehensive post-operative care is invested in your long-term success.
10. Do I Feel Comfortable With This Surgeon?
Perhaps the most important question is one only you can answer.
During your consultation, you should feel:
- Heard
- Respected
- Educated
- Comfortable asking questions
- Confident in your treatment plan
A strong doctor-patient relationship is built on trust, communication, and shared expectations.
Where to Start Looking for a Plastic Surgeon
Looking for a surgeon can feel overwhelming at first. Dr. Ghaderi suggests a few easy ways to start:
- Local Facebook groups and Reddit. Search for existing posts about plastic surgeons, or post your own (many groups allow anonymous posts) and ask for recommendations. First-hand accounts from people who had the procedure you want can help you narrow your list.
- Google reviews. Reviews of offices near you show what other patients have experienced and point you to surgeons’ websites.
- Surgeon websites. Look at before and after galleries for your procedure and check credentials. At a minimum, the surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have hospital privileges at a reputable hospital.
- People you know. Your family doctor, friends and neighbors know you and may know which surgeon fits your goals.
Pick the two or three surgeons who seem like the best fit, then book consultations. Narrowing your list first keeps you from jumping from surgeon to surgeon.
How to Check a Surgeon’s Board Certification
Do not take “board certified” at face value. Ask which board, then check it yourself. You can confirm certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery at abplasticsurgery.org or through the American Board of Medical Specialties at certificationmatters.org. Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) also requires ABPS certification, so the ASPS Find a Surgeon directory is another quick check.
Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon
The titles sound alike but the training is not. A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed a surgical residency focused on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the whole body and passed the American Board of Plastic Surgery exams. “Cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected title in most states. A doctor trained in another specialty can use it, sometimes after a short course. If a surgeon calls themselves a cosmetic surgeon, ask what their residency was in and which board certified them.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Certification from a board you cannot find on certificationmatters.org
- No hospital privileges for the procedure you want
- Surgery in an office or facility that is not accredited, or no clear answer about who provides anesthesia
- Pressure to book the same day, or steep discounts that expire quickly
- Few or no before-and-after photos for your specific procedure
- The surgeon is hard to reach, or you would mostly see staff after surgery
At St. Charles Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bahram Ghaderi is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and takes part in its Maintenance of Certification program. He operates only at accredited hospitals and surgical facilities staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists, and he has served in leadership roles at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital.
Why Patients Choose St. Charles Plastic Surgery
At St. Charles Plastic Surgery, we understand that choosing plastic surgery is a significant decision. Our goal is to provide personalized care, honest recommendations, and exceptional surgical results in a compassionate, patient-focused environment.
Whether you’re considering facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, or reconstructive procedures, we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Learn more About Dr. Bahram Ghaderi, explore our complete list of Procedures, browse our extensive Photo Gallery, review our Testimonials, or Contact Us to schedule your consultation.
TL;DR / Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
- Ask about board certification, experience, recovery, costs, and realistic expectations.
- Review before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and financing options before deciding.
- A qualified surgeon should prioritize safety, communication, and personalized care.
- St. Charles Plastic Surgery provides experienced, compassionate care to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals with confidence.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.