3 Questions Your Plastic Surgeon Should Answer

When it comes time to have a consultation with the plastic surgeon, many people find themselves without a voice. They listen patiently while the doctor explains everything they want and then when the time comes for questions, they clam up. Is this because they are intimidated by their surroundings or is it because they genuinely don’t have anything to ask? In many cases, it may be a little of both. Regardless, it is a situation you’ll want to avoid. Asking questions is the only way you’ll be able to gather the information you need to make an informed decision. And an informed decision is the only kind you should make when it comes to getting cosmetic surgery. Here are three questions your doctor should answer.

What are the risks?

This is an important one. If you’re in front of a plastic surgeon, it means you’ve probably come at least 90% of the way towards determining that you want cosmetic enhancement. People don’t have a whim one day and say, “Hey, I think I’ll make an appointment for a consultation.” You’ve likely thought about it for weeks, if not much longer. But online articles and magazines can only tell you so much. Hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. This can tell you a couple of things. One, you need to know the risks. Two, you need to know if the doctor will be up front about them. This means no sugarcoating. It’s only natural to downplay the risks (especially if they are very uncommon to begin with), but the doctor should be willing to give you the information you need to make your decision.

Can I see before and after photos?

If you’re thinking of hiring a plastic surgeon, you should probably see some photos of his work. If a doctor is unwilling to show you these photos, you can take it as an immediate reason to run—not walk—out of the office and find someone else to do your procedure. There’s no good reason a doctor shouldn’t be able to show you such pictures. It means one of two things. One, he isn’t experienced enough to have built a portfolio. This isn’t good. Or two, he knows the second you see the work, you’ll be heading for the door. In either scenario, you’re better off finding a new doctor.

Can I get some references?

No plastic surgeon worth his salt will be able to refuse you on this one. Certainly, some people are not going to be willing to act as a doctor’s salesman, no matter how satisfied they were with the procedure. But many will be, and if a doctor is doing good work and has been doing so for many years, he should have no problem furnishing you with three or four names willing to extol his virtues and show off their work.