What questions should I ask during consultation?

How much pain? How much time does it REALLY take to recover? Do you have any successful procedure examples?

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took this from an article about hair removal (warnings about burns). The recommend you ask: How many times has this person performed the procedure? Is the person board-certified, licensed or otherwise qualified in cosmetic skin surgery? Has the person performed the procedure on the part of the body on which you are having it done? Can you look at before and after pictures of another client's experience? Can you speak to someone who has had the procedure? Are there any side effects and, if so, what should you look for and when should you be concerned?

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I think you should quiz a plastic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or dermatologist with questions that get to specifics about the appropriateness of a cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery procedure for you.

1. Why is this treatment right for me?
2. Have you reviewed my medical history?
3. Why is this treatment appropriate for my skin type?
4. Can you describe an excellent, average, and poor outcome from this treatment?
5. How many times have you performed this procedure in the past 6 months?
6. How many times have you performed this procedure on the body area I want to address?
7. What are your board certifications and formal training credentials?
8. What training does the attending staff have?
9. Can I review patient testimonials as well as before and after photographs?
10. What procedures are in place to deal with an emergency?

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good advice

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Important questions to ask when choosing a Plastic Surgeon When you are making the decision to have plastic surgery, there are a number of extremely important questions that must be answered. Chief among them are the following: What exactly is it that I want to achieve? Am I a good candidate for the surgery I'm interested in? Are there less invasive or even non-surgical techniques that could fulfill (or perhaps partially, but adequately, fulfill) my needs? What is the best technique for achieving that result that I want? Is my physician able to educate me about ALL possible surgical options? Is my physician qualified to perform the surgery I am interested in? Does your surgeon have hospital priveleges for the surgery you are interested in? Hospital Privileges? A hospital has access to information and records that the general public does not. Hospitals also have tremendous exposure to liability for procedures performed within them. They therefore will only grant surgical privileges to physicians that can demonstrate appropriate training and experience. Although many aesthetic surgical procedures are not performed in hospital operating rooms, the fact that a hospital has granted a surgeon privileges for a given procedure ensures that the surgeon has met an accepted standard of competence. It also means that your surgeon will be able to take care of you at a hospital should any complications from surgery arise.

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How many do you do? What can I expect during recovery-every detail from swelling and bruising, to when will I have a complete recovery? who sees me after surgery to change dressings etc. What if I have problems. Do you have privileges in a hospital, are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Also, ask to speak with patients who have had the procedure. See how you and the doctor get along-the chemistry

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The best way to get to know which surgeon is best for you is to ask for referrals from your family doctor, gynecologist, dermatologist, etc, and also ask around from your friends and neighbors and check the internet as well. Usually a couple of names pop up repeatedly as the surgeons to go to from these different resources. Avoid the radio, TV marketing - and yes the medical programs on TV whether it is your local station's health show or CNN are advertising - very much like seeing a Coke can on your favorite show. It is not a coincidence it is just marketing. As far as the top 10 question - here are some: 1. Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? 2. Do you have plastic surgery privileges at a well respected local hospital? 3.Can I see before and after photos? 4.Can I talk to your previous patients about the surgery? 5.Where will my procedure be performed? 6. Are the facilities you use nationally accredited? 7. Do you use board certified MD anaesthesiologists? 8. Are you easy to get a hold of after surgery if I have questions or concerns? 9. Will I see you during every visit? 10. Where do you get most of your patients from?

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One of the most important questions you can ask is if the doctor is board certified in Plastic Surgery, NOT cosmetic surgery. There is a difference in the education and training between the 2. Next would be if the doctor has hospital privileges. If the surgery is not done at a hospital, make sure the surgical facility is accredited. At your consult you want to make sure you get all the information regarding the procedure, but you also want to make sure the doctor knows what your goals of the surgery are. Make sure your expectations are realistic and that you are a good candidate for the surgery. Ask the doctor if he is available via phone after hours, and how you would get in contact with him.

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