Considering plastic surgery? Without further ado, here are the top questions you must ask a prospective plastic surgeon before having surgery.
If you're thinking about having plastic surgery,
you probably have many questions. You should know as much as possible about your cosmetic surgeon's education, experience, skills, and credentials. After all, your plastic surgeon is the person who could potentially hold your life in his hands. Here's a list of the top questions you must ask a plastic surgeon before having surgery.
What is the Breakdown of Fees?
There's a lot more to your total fee than just the doctor's fee. There are lab fees, operating room fees, and anesthesia fees. If you ask for an exact breakdown of fees, you won't face any surprises when it's all said and done.
Is the Surgeon Board Certified?
Knowing that your physician is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery shows that he has demonstrated a deep knowledge of cosmetic surgery. Visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery website to verify a plastic surgeon's certification.
Ask Your Surgeon for References:
Your doctor should want you to hear the glowing reports of his patients. These references will provide you with a review of your plastic surgeon's skill. They may also give you valuable insight about what you can expect in regards to pain management and recovery.
Is the Surgeon Experienced?
Obviously, you don't want to be a plastic surgeon's first nose job. Beyond that, you don't want to be one of the first 45 patients a surgeon uses to perfect his technique. Many people don't ask this question because they're embarrassed or don't want to be rude. It's better to be embarrassed than disfigured... or worse!
Who Will Assist the Surgeon?
Find out who is part of the plastic surgeon's support team. Will emergency staff be available in case of a problem? Will the surgeon perform the operation from the first cut to the last stitch? Who will be administering anesthesia? If your operation is being performed in a hospital, will there be any interns or medical students involved in your care?
What Type of Anesthesia is Used?
Highly trained specialists should administer general anesthesia. IV sedation is a less expensive option and a bit safer. The safest option is local anesthetic. However, many plastic surgery procedures are not advisable with only local anesthetic.
What are the Risks?
Every surgery comes with risks. The most serious risks usually have to do with infection, excessive blood loss, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Any of these risks can lead to death. Other risks vary from one procedure to another. Fortunately, serious complications with cosmetic surgery are relatively rare.
Does the Surgeon Have a Clean Record?
Ask the surgeon if he has ever been disciplined by the state or board. You don't want a surgeon who has a track record of negligent, unethical, or illegal acts. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons website is a good place to research a surgeon's history and qualifications.
How Much Pain Can You Expect?
With certain cosmetic surgery procedures, you may experience discomfort or pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine can help you deal with the discomfort. Other procedures require a pain pump or prescription medication to keep pain to a minimum.
Where Will the Surgery Take Place?
Plastic surgery procedures are usually performed in outpatient ambulatory centers or hospitals. Others are routinely performed as in-office procedures. Hospitals are typically more expensive venues for any plastic surgery procedure, but can you put a price on your safety? If your operation is not being performed in a hospital, make sure the facility is licensed by the state.
Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a big decision and it's important to shop around. Taking the time to find the best plastic surgeon will increase the chances that you do not leave the operating room with a botched surgery.
