7 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Planning to see a plastic surgeon in The Woodlands Texas? Conducting thorough research is important so you make an informed decision and prepare for a successful outcome. Once you have decided what procedure you want to have, the next logical step is to schedule a consultation visit with a plastic surgeon. This first visit presents a good opportunity to convey your aesthetic concerns, get to know your plastic surgeons, and learn more about the selected procedures. Knowing what questions to ask can go a long way to ensure that you obtain key details regarding the cosmetic surgery you are interested in. This article highlights 7 important questions that you can start with.  

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1. Are you certified by the board?

Plastic surgeons are usually certified by independent organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). This certification is a positive indicator that says they consistently adhere to set standards for quality and safety. Some surgeons even have board certification in specialized skills such as microsurgery. Membership with professional bodies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is another positive sign of a surgeon who is highly committed to providing a professional service. This is indeed one of the first questions you should ask when you visit your plastic surgeon in The Woodlands Tx area.

2. What training do you have?

The kind of training that a plastic surgeon has also gone a long way. It is important to note that while any surgeon may call themselves a ‘cosmetic surgeon’, specific training is required before a surgeon can be certified as a plastic surgeon. You want to figure out what exactly the surgeon specializes in before you select them for the procedure you are interested in. For instance, a surgeon who is well equipped to perform a breast augmentation may not necessarily be the best person for specialized reconstructive procedures such as hand surgery.

3. How much experience do you have?

Another important question you need to ask is the kind of experience a plastic surgeon has in the procedure you are interested in. How many patients have they worked with before? Can you see some before and after photos? What are online reviews and ratings saying? If a certain plastic surgeon has performed dozens or even hundreds of successful facelift surgeries, then chances are high that they are also likely to succeed in your case. Even if more experienced surgeons tend to charge more than less seasoned professionals in the same area, the difference is worth it.

4. Where will my surgery be performed?

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed in an outpatient setting at your plastic surgeon’s in-office operating room. Some procedures, particularly major surgeries where an overnight stay is required, are typically performed at third-party accredited surgical hospitals. You want to make sure that your surgery will be performed in a setting and facility that is certified by state and federal organizations. This is important because, in case of an emergency, you should be able to receive appropriate care and intervention.

5. What type of anesthesia will be used?

The type of anesthesia to be used during your cosmetic surgery is another important consideration. Some types of cosmetic surgeries may be performed under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. This is a less invasive type of sedation that has minimal side effects. General anesthesia is typically used during major invasive surgeries. While this type of sedation puts the patient to sleep, it has been associated with higher risks and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sore throat, dry mouth, shivering, itching, and sleepiness.

6. What is recovery like?

The recovery process will vary from one cosmetic procedure to the other. Nonetheless, you want to know what it entails so you can plan ahead of time. How much time will you need to take off work? What recovery supplies do you need to purchase? How many weeks will it be since you are allowed to resume routine activities and physical activity? These are important considerations to keep in mind. When it comes to recovery, you also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after you are discharged from the hospital, as well as help out with basic chores over the first few days of recovery.

7. What is the cost of my procedure?

Most cosmetic surgeries are considered not to be medical necessities. For this reason, they typically are not covered by health insurers. Patients often need to foot the cost of the surgery out of pocket or work with surgeon-provided plans or third-party financing partners. Regardless, you need to know exactly how much your treatment will cost so you can make plans ahead of time. It is crucial that you include all costs related to the treatment, including the transportation cost and money spent purchasing recovery supplies, so you get the complete picture. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide an individualized cost estimate following your initial consultation visit.

Conclusion

Making the most out of your first one-on-one visit with a plastic surgeon can go a long way to ensure a smooth experience. Make sure to start with these questions but don’t hesitate to ask any other questions that you may have.