More and more
people these days are having some type of cosmetic surgery done to enhance
or keep their youthful appearance. As with any type of surgery, there are benefits and
risks to consider. Before you decide on that face-lift or tummy tuck, you should find a
reputable cosmetic surgeon and prepare a list of questions to ask before making a final
decision on the procedure. Here are the top ten questions you should ask your cosmetic
surgeon:
1. For your specific needs, what type of procedure would your physician or surgeon
recommend?
Although you may think you need liposuction or breast reduction, your physician may
determine that type of procedure is not appropriate for you, your body type, or possibly
due to other health related issues you might have.
Once your doctor has decided on the type of surgery to be performed, make sure the
procedure is clearly explained to you: how it will be done, what techniques will be used
and what should you expect afterwards.
2. What is the surgeon’s expertise in this type of procedure?
Most cosmetic surgeons have an area of expertise in which they practice. It’s
important to find a surgeon who is an expert in the field of the type of procedure you
will be having done. Ask him about his experience with this type of surgery, what the
success rates are, what type of complications he may have encountered, and where the
procedure will take place.
You should also ask where the surgeon has studied where he received his training,
education or certification.
3. Ask for brochures, leaflets and websites.
Do not just take the surgeon’s word for it; ask for informative brochures, leaflets
and websites specific to the type of procedure you are considering before you make such an
important decision. If your surgeon is reputable and honest, he will appreciate the fact
that you need more information to determine if the surgery is something you want to have
done.
4. What are the risks involved?
Your surgeon should be able to tell you all of the risks involved with the type of
procedure you’re having done. These risks should include what could happen during and
after the surgery. Ask how common the complications are, and if complications do occur,
how they will, or can, be treated.
5. Ask for referrals
Similar to asking for references during a job interview process, you should know what past
patients have experienced with the results of the surgery, or the surgeon. A good surgeon
will be happy to provide you with a list of his patients who have had the type of surgery
that you are considering. If the surgeon denies your request, ask him why. If he is not
willing to provide references of past patients, you may want to consider another surgeon.
6. Ask to see before and after photos.
By seeing real photos of past patients, you will gain a better perspective of what the
outcome will be for your specific procedure. It will be helpful to see the differences.
7. What is the recovery process?
Procedures vary in terms of wound recovery time and length of rehabilitation programs. You
should know the long-term program before your surgery to plan for time away from work and
household responsibilities.
Determine if your procedure will require you to stay overnight at a hospital, or if it
will be performed as an outpatient procedure. Ask if medications will be necessary, and
how long before you can resume normal routines. Ask your surgeon what to expect, such as
bruising or swelling, how long it should last and what to do if the pain or swelling
persists after the determined recovery period.
8. What are the cost or payment options?
Before you decide to have the surgery performed, you should know what your options are for
the cost of the procedure. Ask your surgeon how much it will cost, if your insurance will
cover the type of surgery you are having done, and if not, are there any financing options
available through his practice, or can he refer you to a financing company. If you need to
finance your surgery, make sure you know the terms of the contract, the interest rate, how
much your monthly payments will be and whether or not you can afford to make those
payments each month. |
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