8 Questions to Ask Before Plastic Surgery
When you’re looking for a plastic surgeon, it’s important to understand the process, and to do that, you need to ask plenty of questions. Consults help you learn more and determine the best options for you. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering plastic surgery is choosing the right surgeon. We’ve created this guide with some of the main questions to ask before plastic surgery to help you find the best professional.
Are You Board-Certified?
Plastic surgeons who want to be recognized by the American Board of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and improve the quality of their work have to go through its certification process. ABFPRS was established in 1986 to examine doctors’ qualifications, making sure they provide excellent service. You want to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon so you can have complete confidence in their skill. There are various other certifying boards of plastic surgery through which surgeons can be certified.
Who Will Assist During My Surgery?
A doctor should be assisted by a scrub-tech, nurse anesthetist, or registered nurse anesthesiologist. Additionally, the doctors may need assistance from other members of their staff, including medical students in training. When asking questions about plastic surgery, it is important to know who you are working with and if they have the specific qualifications that would benefit you most.
Who Will Administer Anesthesia?
The anesthesia needs to be administered by a physician with the right medical training. Whoever administers the medication should be nearby and will stay with you through your surgery until after it has been completed. The anesthetic process is crucial for your health, since there are several risks involved when going under general anesthesia, so it’s essential to ask questions about this part of the plastic surgery process.
How Significant Are the Risks of This Procedure?
When asking popular plastic surgery questions, keep in mind that everything in medicine and surgery can lead to complications and side effects. The most common complication associated with plastic surgery is bleeding, followed by infection; other common occurrences include heart problems or reactions to anesthetic drugs. All medical experts have to educate their patients about these risks beforehand, as well as answer all questions asked before plastic surgery, so patients know what could happen during the course of treatment. Some consequences may be simple for a doctor to treat, while others may require more extensive intervention.
How Often Have You Performed This Procedure?
Many do not ask this question about plastic surgery because they are embarrassed or want to avoid causing offense. But it’s important to know a surgeon’s level of experience before undergoing surgery, and skilled surgeons will be perfectly willing to discuss both their qualifications and experience.
How Complicated Is This Procedure?
A surgeon can tell you how many complications the surgery entails and how many are serious. This includes both those complications that occur during surgery and those that arise later. During a surgical consultation, the patient will be advised of any information they need to make an informed decision concerning their personal health and safety, so it’s in everyone’s best interest that all plastic surgery questions are answered thoroughly.
Can I See Before and After Photographs?
Before and after photographs are an integral part of any surgery practice. One question you should always ask when considering plastic surgery is to see before and after photographs of the procedure. All surgeons will be able to show you before and after images with the patient’s permission, although not all want to be featured on websites.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
Ask what you can expect during the recovery process, including what aches and pains you may experience and how much time off work is normal. Talk to your doctor about their follow-up protocol as well; before plastic surgery, an important question to ask is when they will see you next and approximately how often you will need follow-up treatment, if any.
Asking the right plastic surgery questions can help determine if they are the right fit for you. Make sure to ask these crucial questions and research your surgeon’s qualifications. If you’re not sure where to start or if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Hearth & health!
