Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

The success of a cosmetic surgery procedure depends not just on the skill of the surgeon, but also on the openness of communication between the patient and the physician. Before your plastic surgery consultation, create a list of questions to ask your surgeon about the procedure. Make sure you include these on the list of questions to ask your doctor.

Cost, Facilities, and Accreditation

• Are you board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Do you have hospital privileges?
• What experience do you have in plastic surgery?
• Will the surgery take place at an accredited ambulatory surgery center?
• What is the cost of the procedure? What additional fees can I expect?
• What payment options are available?
• Will insurance cover any of my plastic surgery costs?

Surgical Procedure

• What surgery or surgeries do you recommend based on my needs?
• Am I a good candidate for the procedure?
• Do you have before/after images I can view?
• How does the procedure work?
• What are the risks involved with this plastic surgery procedure?
• How long is the recovery period? Will a friend or relative need to care for me during my recovery?
• Will there be prolonged discomfort after the procedure?
• Will I have visible scars after my surgery?
• What are my options if I require additional surgery?

Preparing for Surgery

• Which foods and medications should I avoid leading up to my surgery?
• How long before/after the procedure should I quit smoking?
• What sort of clothes should I wear or bring to my surgery?
• When should I arrive at the surgery center?
• How long will the surgery take? Do I need a family member to stay with me?
• When do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
• How often should I take medication during my recovery?

Dr. Brantner will likely answer all these questions and more during a surgical consultation, but preparation helps patients feel comfortable about their plastic surgery choices. Make sure you ask your surgeon about your procedure, costs, recovery, and results before scheduling a cosmetic procedure.

 photo from FreeDigitalPhotos