Plastic Surgeons - FAQ

People who are considering plastic surgery always have a long list of questions for their plastic surgeons and usually the questions will differ from person to person depending on how much background research each person has done beforehand. Questions will also differ depending on the procedure the individual is looking into.

Below are some frequently asked questions that people usually want to know before they visit a plastic surgeon.

Q- What questions should I ask my surgeon during a consultation?

A- The first thing you will want to ask your plastic surgeon is what type of result they think would be best suited for your body. After they have made a suggestion you should explain the type of result that you are looking for and the two of you should discuss exactly what will be achieved through surgery. You should ask for the details of the surgical procedure that you will undergo so you have a clear idea of exactly where incision lines will be and how long the procedure will take. You should also ask about anesthetic and what sorts of risks are involved with the procedure. Ask your surgeon what you should expect after surgery in terms of scarring and healing time and make sure you ask them about their credentials and the experience they have had performing the particular procedure that you are interested in.

Q- What should I do if my surgeon thinks that I should be looking for a different result than the one I ask for?

A- If you trust your surgeon it is a good idea to take their advice to heart. Your surgeon will most likely have your best interest in mind so when they make a suggestion it is probably because experience tells them that result you are asking for may not end up looking natural or proportionate to the rest of your body. Most good surgeons will not perform an operation unless they are comfortable with the result that they will give their patient. The exception to this rule comes into play if a surgeon seems to be pressuring you into surgery or extra procedures that you don't want. Your surgeon should always make you feel comfortable so if you end up feeling pressured it might be a good idea to look for a different surgeon.

Q- What does it mean when plastic surgeons say they are board certified?

A- There are a number of boards that offer different sorts of certification but you will want to make sure that your surgeon has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in particular. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is nationally recognized and all surgeons certified by this board must have completely medical school and both a residency in general surgery and a residency in plastic surgery. They will have also had to complete a series of tests and will have had to have practiced plastic surgery for at least two years before becoming certified.

Q- Where will my operation be performed?

A- Your operation will likely be performed in a hospital, surgical center, in the exam room of your surgeon's office or in the operating room at your surgeon's office. You should make sure that the place where your surgery is going to be held is an accredited facility that meets all national standards in terms of safety and up to date equipment. Obviously major surgery will need to be done at a hospital where there is an anesthesiologist and team of surgical staff on hand.