Questions for the Plastic Surgeon

The road to a new appearance begins with the surgical consult. When going for consultation, you should have a list of questions for the surgeon. Try to get as much information as possible: when you are fully informed, you will know what you can expect from the clinic and specialists working there and, also, what you can expect during and after the operation.

Ask about the clinic. Does the clinic have a license? When was the clinic established? Be sure that you will be operated by a professional, i.e. a specialist of plastic surgery. Don’t be embarrassed to ask the surgeon about his background, training and experience. How many similar plastic surgery procedures the surgeon has done before? Ask the surgeon to show different photos of his patients before and after the operation. This will help you to form a view of surgeon’s skills and professionalism.

Be sure that the plastic surgery specialist you have chosen is kind and you like him as a person. Do you completely trust him/her?

Ask where the surgery is going to be done. If it is to be performed in the physician’s office, is that office licensed and equipped to handle unexpected anaesthesia and other medical problems? What type of anaesthesia (general or sedative) is to be used and who will be giving it? Sometimes it is the surgeon, and sometimes it is an anaesthesiologist or nurse anaesthetist. This is important because your general health condition may require the presence of an anaesthesiologist. Ask about your anaesthetist and his/her practical experience.

You should be able to explain to your surgeon in detail what you want. Tell what parts of your body you think will benefit from the plastic procedures. Maybe the specialist can recommend other procedures that may be better for you.

During the consult, the surgeon should diagnose the problems with the particular areas of your body and decide what treatment will be done. Ask when the first real results of the surgery will become visible; have in mind that sometimes it may last for a rather lengthy period of time. Discuss with the surgeon all possible consequences, undesirable effects and possibility of complications.

Talk about the ways of treatment after the plastic-aesthetic surgery. Ask him about his recommendations for post-operation period (creams, lotions, other remedies). Be sure to take care of all necessary preparations in advance.

Ask about prices of the plastic surgery procedures and payment options. Find out the costs for medications, dressings and follow-up appointments. To get the needed sum, you may use the services of loan companies specializing in cosmetic surgery financing. Discuss the possibilities of payment. Some surgeons accept credit cards.

Find out about the surgery cancellation policy and about minor ‘touch-up’ procedures for the areas you are not satisfied with after the operation.

At the end of the visit you should be given a contract and disclaimer form. This form shows the procedure to be done, the cost, potential complications and other policies and conditions. Before signing, read it carefully. It would be good if you could take it with you, read it over and hand it back later.

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