Important questions for a plastic surgeon before any operation

The most important factor in all cosmetic procedures that determines your safety and results, is who you choose as a plastic surgeon. Always choose your surgeon wisely and carefully. Make sure he has board certification, experience and safety. You should also ask him many questions to determine if plastic surgery is right for you, and it can help you ensure that your safety and appearance are in good hands.

Important questions for a plastic surgeon

Are you certified in plastic surgery?

Find out if your plastic surgeon is ABPS-certified. Legally, any surgeon can perform plastic surgery procedures. Choosing an ABPS-certified surgeon is the best way to ensure that your surgeon has extensive training specifically in plastic surgery. This is the only board to issue certifications based on very strict criteria, including 6 to 9 years of training dedicated to plastic surgery.

Does your plastic surgeon have operating privileges?

Confirm whether your plastic surgeon has hospital operating privileges to perform your procedure. These privileges are awarded to the surgeons based on their strict accreditation by their peers. This is not the case in a clinic setting, which often has little or no oversight.

What is his experience as a surgeon?

Meaning how often the surgeon performs the operation. This is not a question of exact numbers, it is about experience and expertise. Find out the surgeon's relationship to the procedure you are looking for. The best surgeons not only perform the procedure regularly, but also publish their contributions in medical journals, conduct research, and participate in teaching and training.

What is your experience in performing this particular process?

Your plastic surgeon should specialize in the type of surgery you're interested in, and perform your specific procedure at least once a month.

What procedure(s) do you recommend for me?

You may want a particular procedure or treatment, but you should plan to have a conversation with your doctor as you consult about what he or she thinks is the best course of action for you and your concerns. The decision is ultimately up to you, but the plastic surgeon will be able to take a more comprehensive look at the situation and likely present a series of options for which you are a candidate.

Is it possible to see pictures (before and after) of the operations?

Ask to see some before and after pictures of patients who have had surgery with your doctor. Examine these pictures carefully. Make sure that you are not paying attention to unrelated factors, such as lighting, but to the details of the outcome of the surgery. Every plastic surgeon has his own aesthetic sense - his definition of beauty. Make sure you have an aesthetic sense that matches well with your surgeon.

Are there risks and complications of the operation?

Ask about the risks of the procedure, as well as the benefits. There is a risk with any surgical procedure, and you should be fully aware of all the risks before choosing to have your operation.

Is the anesthesiologist also certified?

It is essential that he or she be a medical doctor (MD) or certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), it is very important to ensure that your surgeon uses an anesthesiologist who has been trained and certified according to these standards, as it is one of the most risky aspects of most cosmetic procedures.

What about the recovery stage?

Ask about your recovery, especially the first 24-48 hours. Ask when you will be able to return to work, when you can return to a strenuous activity such as exercise, and how long it will take you to see final results.

How many follow-up appointments after the operation?

While the exact number of postoperative appointments varies by procedure, at least one follow-up is usually needed during the first week. This may be the only option needed for injectable treatment, but surgical patients can expect to pay for their cosmetic wound several times in the months after it is performed. Like pre-operative care, it is important to have knowledge of the schedule prior to the operation.

What is the cost of my plastic surgery?

Ask if everything is included in the price, including fees for the consultant, anesthesiologist, medication, dressings and aftercare.