Plastic Surgeon Questions: What You Should Ask

Individuals going in to meet with a plastic surgeon should come prepared. After all, this doctor makes his or her living performing these procedures on thousands of patients a year, but there is only one you. In this case, as is true of all medical procedures, you have to be you own advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because you think you might not like the answer or because you think the question might be stupid. Any doctor worth their diploma should be ready and willing to answer any queries you pose. Here are some of the questions you should come armed with.

How many of these procedures have you done?
Just because a plastic surgeon has a bustling practice with hundreds of satisfied patients, it doesn’t mean they have a deep well of experience doing the particular procedure you want done. While it may seem impertinent, it is okay to ask them how many times they’ve done the procedure you’re planning on having performed. A doctor confident in his experience will be only too happy to share this experience with a hesitant patient.

Can you tell me about the anesthesia?
Contrary to what many might think, anesthesia is one of the most potentially dangerous aspects of getting any medical procedure done. Few people think to ask about it before the procedure, however. The safest form of anesthesia is a local anesthetic. This numbs the area the plastic surgeon will be working with, but leaves the patient awake and aware. The riskiest form is general anesthetic, which puts the patient completely under. You should understand which form is usually used with the procedure you’re having done. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Are you certified?
When you ask this question, what you really want to know is if the doctor belongs to the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This organization certifies only those doctors who have completed a specialized component of training, which not only gives patients the peace of mind that comes with knowing their doctor has that extra knowledge, but also assures them that he has gone above and beyond to establish himself as a master of his craft. Accept nothing less.

What are the risks?
Every doctor wants to place the best possible spin on their medical procedures. While this is fine and to be expected, a doctor should also be frank about the risks involved. At this point in the consultation, you don’t want to be “sold” on the procedure. You want hard facts and you want honesty. The decision to have plastic surgery is not to be taken lightly, and you are entitled to all the facts.