The Plastic Surgery Consultation

Your consultation with a plastic surgeon is when you get to meet the surgeon who may do your procedure and ask all the questions you've been dying to ask. Of course, he or she will have some questions for you, too – primarily about your expectations of the surgery and your medical history – so go prepared to ask and answer.

This is also your chance to get a feel for the surgeon and whether or not the two or you are a good match, and to find out if the procedure you are considering is right for you and your needs. Successful surgery depends in part on the rapport you build with your surgeon, and it all starts at the consultation. So make sure you are honest with yourself about your expectations, your reasons for wanting plastic surgery, and your general health.

Your TrustedPlasticSurgery client services consultant will meet with you before your consultation and answer any non-medical questions you may have. She'll also make sure you're comfortable with your surroundings and the meeting to come.

For your convenience, here's a list of tried-and-true questions to ask a plastic surgeon that you can print out and take to your consultation:

Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon

• Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Are you certified in any other specialties?
• How many years did you train in plastic surgery?
• How long have you been practicing as a plastic surgeon?
• How many [insert your procedure here] have you performed? How often do you perform it?
• Do you consider me to be a good candidate for this surgery?
• Are my expectations of the final result realistic?
• What risks and complications are associated with this procedure?

If the procedure you want involves an implant:

• What type of implant would you use on me, and why?
• Do you have a sample of the implant to show me?
• If you are considering breast implants:
• Do you recommend saline or silicone implants?
• What cup size do you recommend for my body frame?
• What shape breast implant do you recommend and why?
• What implant placement do you recommend and why?

• Can you describe the actual procedure?
• If there's more than one surgical technique, which do you recommend for me?
• Do you have a video of this procedure that I can watch?
• May I speak with any of your patients who have had this particular procedure?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer it?
• How many days do you recommend I take off from work, school, or my regular activities to heal properly?
• What kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• Will there be much pain, bruising, or swelling?
• Will there be scars? If so, where?
• When can I expect to look well enough to go out in public?
• How long before I see the final results of the procedure?
• When will I be able to exercise or participate in sports?
• If there is a complication after the procedure and I need further treatment, is it covered by the original fee?
• If I change my mind or cannot go through with the surgery as scheduled, will my money be refunded?
• If any problems come up after the surgery, will you be the attending physician?
• If my results are not what I wanted or if there is a complication, what are my options?
• What is your revision rate for this surgery?
• Are you covered by malpractice insurance?
• Where will the surgery take place? If in the office or at an onsite surgery center, is it accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized agency? Is it state licensed? May I see it?
• Do you have hospital privileges? Where? If not, why not?
• What is the total cost for this procedure?
• What is not covered by your fee? (Lab work, postoperative visits, medications, compression garments?)

Disclaimers