Plastic Surgeon - Questions to Ask Them

Before you go under the knife for any optional cosmetic procedure, there are certain questions you should ask your plastic surgeon. Not only will this help you be fully aware of what to expect from the procedure, but also be fully confident in your doctor's qualifications and credentials.

Do You Carry Board Certification?

Board certification means that your plastic surgeon has met all of the qualifications for a particularly governing board. The best of the boards that cosmetic doctors can join is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Do not necessarily take your doctor's word for the fact that he or she carries certification. Check with the board's website to verify that the certification is valid. Also, check the doctor's licensure with your state.

What Experience Do You Have?

When asking about a doctor's experience, be sure to check about his overall experience, and also his experience with the procedure you are having done. Try to find a doctor with a high level of experience in the actual procedure you have decided to have, especially if it is highly complex.

Where Will the Procedure Occur

Your plastic surgeon may perform some procedures in his clinic or a surgery center, rather than a hospital. Some doctors choose to do all procedures at a hospital, just in case complications occur. Make sure you are comfortable with the location of your surgery, and ask whether or not the doctor has hospital privileges if you choose an off-site location. This ensures you will get the medical attention you need if a complication arises.

What Risks Should I Know About?

A good doctor will carefully explain all risks to you, but it doesn't hurt to be proactive and ask about them before your doctor brings them up. Don't let a list of risks scare you too much, though. All surgeries carry risks, such as infection, blood loss, and allergic reactions to anesthetic, but you do need to know the risks specific to your particular procedure. Keep in mind that doctors will rarely perform elective procedures that they feel are too risky, so if your doctor has agreed to operate on you, you are probably in a low risk category.

How Should I Prepare for Recovery?

Will you need one week or one day off of work? Will you have lifting and work restrictions in place for a while, or can you resume your normal activities when your body feels ready? Preparing ahead of time for your recovery period is important any time you have surgery. Ask enough questions that you feel fully prepared for what to expect after the surgery.

What Will I Look Like Post-Op?

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for a candid explanation of your appearance after your surgery. You may be surprised by the amount of swelling or bruising you see when your bandages come off. Fully preparing yourself beforehand will keep you from thinking that the surgery did not work, when in fact you just need to give yourself time to heal.