What questions should you ask before scheduling a cosmetic procedure?

Whether undergoing an elective or necessary operation, you shouldn’t take medical procedures lightly. You should meet with several surgeons and have a list of questions before deciding to proceed with that surgeon and operation. These healthcare professionals discuss the pertinent questions you should ask and why before having a cosmetic procedure below.

Ask Questions to Feel Comfortable and Be Informed About The Procedure

Here are some questions that a patient may want to ask a plastic surgeon before a cosmetic procedure:

● Are you board certified?
● How much experience do you have with this particular procedure?
● What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
● What type of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer it?
● Where will the surgery take place?
● Who will be a part of the surgical team?
● What are the important recovery milestones? (showering normally, returning to full exercise, safe travel, etc.)
● Can you show me before and after photos of previous patients representative of me who have had this procedure?
● How long will the results last?
● What type of follow-up care will be necessary, and how often?
● What is the cost of the procedure? Are there additional costs associated with follow-up after surgery, such as garments and visits?
● Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may achieve similar results?

It’s important for patients to ask as many questions as they need to feel comfortable and informed about the procedure they are considering. The plastic surgeon should be willing to answer any questions and provide as much information as possible to ensure the patient makes an informed decision.

7 Important Questions For Your Surgeon

How many times do you perform this procedure a month?
Many plastic surgeons could undertake a range of operations, with some being done on a more frequent basis than others. Asking this question helps you to determine if they are particularly experienced in such treatments.

What results can I expect, and how long will they potentially last?
Your plastic surgeon’s assessment would determine whether or not you’re a viable patient and the results you could expect from the procedure.

Are there any additional costs if I have any postoperative complications or am not satisfied with the results?
It’s best to find out beforehand if there are any additional costs in the case of post-operative complications or in an instance that you are not satisfied with the results and ask for confirmation in writing.

What type of anesthesia do you recommend for this procedure?
There are a few kinds of anesthesia your surgeon may suggest using. This will often include local, general, and IV sedation. A qualified anesthesiologist or anesthetist should always administer a general anesthetic.

How many procedures do you perform in a day, and how many days a week do you perform surgery?
The number of operations your plastic surgeon can carry out in a day is usually limited, around four to six being the average. Additionally, a maximum of four to five days a week should be expected when it comes to operations.

What accreditation does the facility have where I will have my procedure?
In the United States, hospitals and outpatient surgery centers/clinics should have accreditation from The Joint Commission, AAAASF, AAAHC, or Medicare.

Have you had any patient fatalities, or have any of your patients ever needed intensive care or life-saving treatment post-surgery?
This should be easy for them to answer, as it should be thoroughly documented.