Every cosmetic surgery success story should start with a successful consultation: your one-on-one conversation with a cosmetic surgeon. It’s a good idea to go to your first consultation with your plastic surgeon with any important questions you might want answered. Your consultation is the time to get to know your surgeon. Not only do you want to ask questions about the procedure, see before and after photos and inquire about getting your desired results and other considerations, but you also want to gauge your comfort level with your potential plastic surgeon.
Patients who ask plenty of questions usually get the most out of their consultation, and are often more satisfied with the choices they end up making. While there are no wrong questions to ask at a cosmetic surgery consultation, there are some key questions that you should include on your list when meeting with potential surgeons. This helps ensure you don’t forget to ask anything, and you get all of your questions answered. Here are seven important questions you should ask the plastic surgeon during your consultation:
1. Are you board certified?
The trust between you and your plastic surgeon is vital. Ask about your doctor’s experience, especially with the procedure you are considering. Ask about your doctor’s certifications. It is absolutely vital that your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and can speak to his or her training.
2. How often have you done this procedure?
You want to know if your doctor is skilled in the procedure you’re considering. This helps you feel confident that you’ve chosen the right surgeon. Most plastic surgeons will have before and after photos of previous surgeries, as well as patient testimonials that speak to their experience.
3. How and where will my procedure be performed?
You want to know where your surgery will take place. Will it be in the doctor’s office, certified surgery center or a local hospital? Will your doctor have the best instruments and staff, as well as access to emergency medical attention? As the patient, you deserve the highest standard of safety and technical expertise. Along with your physician’s outstanding credentials and experience, you want to know your outpatient surgical facility is fully accredited.
In addition, ask your doctor whom they will use for anesthesia. To further ensure the highest standard of safety for your procedure, find out if the people providing your anesthesia are properly credentialed and supervised by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
4. What will my procedure cost?
The total price for any surgical procedure includes surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, operating room expenses, and any materials involved, such as breast implants. Each patient’s situation is unique, and the price for a procedure will vary depending on your specific needs and goals. While price should factor into your decision, you should never choose a cosmetic surgeon based on price alone.
5. What can I expect from my recovery?
You need to understand the details of the recovery process to decide whether this is the right time for you to have a cosmetic procedure. Ask the cosmetic surgeon how much time you can expect to take away from your normal activities, including work, childcare, and exercise. Before you schedule surgery, you need to be sure you can handle being somewhat “out of commission” for a few days or weeks, depending on how complex a procedure you are considering.
6. Are you easy to get a hold of after surgery if I have questions or concerns?
It is important to be able to reach your doctor or surgeon when you need them. Make sure they will be available for all your questions, concerns, and needs.
7. May I see before and after photos?
Before and after photos are a good way to see what has been done before, and the skill of the surgeon you are thinking of choosing. Bringing in your own before and after photos is a plus, as the plastic surgeon will get a good idea of the type of results you are looking to achieve.
When you come to your consultation, bring these questions with you, along with any others you might have. You can expect your plastic surgeon to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make a final decision about your plastic surgery.
If you’re interested in talking with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can request a consultation with Dr. Stelnicki by calling (954) 983-1899.
