If you are planning to have plastic surgery in the near future, selecting a seasoned plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps to take. Once you identify a surgeon you are willing to work with, you’ll need to schedule a one-on-one consultation where you can ask important questions and assess their style and approach. This article highlights a number of questions that you should ask so you gather as much information as possible during this initial visit.
What procedure is best for me?
Plastic surgery has come a long way and patients now have a wide range of procedures to choose from. For instance, if you are planning to improve the appearance of your breasts, you may have a breast augmentation (which improves size and volume) or a breast lift (which improves breast perkiness). People who have pockets of excess fat in the abdominal area may either have liposuction or a tummy tuck (depending on the condition of their abdominal skin). Non-surgical options such as coolsculpting, dermal fillers, BOTOX, and others are also available for certain problem areas. It is important that you talk to your plastic surgeon so you can thoroughly explore what procedure options are available for you.
How experienced are you?
Experience is very important when you are assessing the suitability of a plastic surgeon (or any other professional for that matter). You want to know how many years of experience your plastic surgeon has performing the specific procedure that you are interested in. Have they worked with countless patients or are they just getting started? While experienced plastic surgeons can be more expensive, they often have what it takes to deliver a successful procedure outcome.
Can I see before and after photos?
Before and after photos tell you what the surgeon has been able to accomplish with past patients. You’ll be able to see how the surgeon has transformed aesthetic problems into desired outcomes, using real-person photos. This gives you an impression of the results you might be able to experience working with the same surgeon. It also provides an opportunity to ask more detailed questions regarding your expectations.
How much will the procedure cost?
Health insurers typically do not pay for cosmetic surgery procedures. For this reason, it is important that you figure out how much the specific procedure that you are having should cost. Ask the plastic surgeon to give you a comprehensive cost breakdown (with no hidden costs). This will enable you to make plans for financing. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may offer financing plans that allow you to pay for the surgery in installments. Some patients will prefer to save in advance for the surgery. The idea is that you know how much it will cost so you can make your own plans.
How many pre-op appointments are necessary?
The first consultation visit is typically meant to get to know your surgeon and agree on the terms of the surgery. Once you have asked all the important questions and have decided to move forward with the procedure, you want to know how many pre-op appointments are needed so you can plan ahead of time.
How should I prepare for the surgery?
When it comes to plastic surgery, preparation is a very important phase to ensure a successful procedure outcome. You need to do the right things to ensure that your body is ready for the procedure and that you set the stage for success. Plastic surgeons typically require that you quit smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery. You’ll also be asked to focus on a healthy diet and stay hydrated, among other things.
Where will the procedure be performed?
It is important that you know where the procedure will be performed. Minor procedures are usually completed at the plastic surgeon’s in-office operating room, while more complicated may need to be performed at an accredited surgical facility. The idea is to make sure that your surgery will be performed in a safe and certified environment.
What anesthesia will be used?
Plastic surgeons may either use local or general anesthesia when performing different procedures. Each of these types of anesthetic has its own implications. For instance, general anesthesia has often been associated with serious side effects, and takes longer to recover from. Also confirm that the surgeon works with a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure safe administration of anesthesia.
What if there are complications?
If there are any complications associated with the procedure you are going to have, you want to know what can be done to minimize the risks. Does the surgeon use surgical methods that reduce scarring? What do they do to reduce the possibility of complications such as bleeding or infection? What role can you play to make the procedure a success? These are some of the questions to ask.
How long is recovery?
Knowing how long you can expect recovery to take is important so you can make plans ahead of time, especially if you have a demanding work schedule. For some procedures, a full week is enough to be able to resume light work. For others, it may be months before you are able to get back up and resume your regular work schedule.
Conclusion
Thorough research is important when you are preparing for plastic surgery. This is precisely why you should leave no stone unturned during your consultation visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon in Phoenix AZ.