Plastic surgery can be done for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. Depending on your procedure, your surgeon will carefully assess your requirements in order to determine what procedure is ideal for you. Scheduling a consultation visit with your shortlisted surgeon is a must-have item in your plastic surgery homework. This article highlights some important questions that you should ask your surgeon during this initial visit.
1. What procedures can you recommend for me?
Before going to a consultation with the plastic surgeon, it is obvious that you have a particular plastic surgery procedure in mind which you would like to undergo. This shows the surgeon that you have done some personal research about your condition, and that you are at least informed about what it entails. It is absolutely not wrong at any point, but, for the best results to be obtained, it is important to ask the surgeon about his view regarding your condition, and the best way to go about it. While at this, he may offer other potential options that will work to give out desirable results.
2. Am I an eligible candidate for the procedure
There are several plastic surgery procedures that are done all over the world. Each one of them has some requirements that need to be met before going into surgery. Based on the specific type of plastic surgery you desire, always ask the surgeon whether you meet the qualifications required to undergo the surgery.
3. How frequently do you perform this surgery?
Plastic surgery requires quality skills, knowledge, and experience to obtain the desired results. Just because a plastic surgeon is popular in a particular region doesn’t necessarily mean that he often performs the particular surgery you desire. The best plastic surgeon in a particular field of plastic surgery is one who performs that procedure as often as possible. At the time of consultation, always inquire about the number of times that the surgeon performs your ideal plastic surgery procedure.
4. Ask to see his before and after photos
In a plastic surgery consultation, the surgeon should always avail the before and after photos of the patients that he has treated before. This especially applies to the particular plastic surgery procedure that you would wish to undergo. These pictures will act as real evidence and be able to show you the ability and extent to which the surgeon may go.
5. Is it possible to talk to some of your previous patients?
The previous patients that the surgeon has treated will act as a source of more information regarding that plastic surgeon. Through them, you will be able to know how he and his staff treat patients and observe how they respond to treatment. This will more likely help you to clarify your thoughts about the plastic surgeon.
6. What are the benefits, risks, and complications associated with your surgical procedure?
Before taking the step forward to undergo any particular plastic surgery, it is important to be aware of the benefits, risks, and complications involved. This will help you to adequately prepare for anything that may occur during, and after surgery, as well as equip you with the basic knowledge to handle them.
7. Will anesthesia be used? If so, what type will it be?
Plastic surgery involves numbing the area under treatment. In some cases, such as facial procedures, it does not involve any use of anesthesia. If your plastic surgery involves treatment of a large area of the body, such as the tummy, breasts, hips, and waist, then the surgeon will have to administer an anesthesia injection at that particular area to numb it and reduce pain. Depending on the amount and invasiveness of the surgery, he will either use local, or general anesthesia.
8. What is the cost of surgery?
Plastic surgery is considered to be generally expensive. Most insurance companies do not agree to cover the cost of cosmetic plastic surgery because they consider them to be non-medical. Although the cost may vary from one surgeon to the next, it is always important to ask for a rough estimate of the total cost. This will reduce the chances of surprises, and anxiety attacks that may occur later. In addition, the earlier you know, the better it would be to help you plan on your budget. In a case where the plastic surgery procedure is done for reconstructive purposes, consult with your medical insurance cover to assist you to know whether they would cover the cost or part of the cost.
9. How long will the recovery take?
Recovery after plastic surgery depends on several factors. These include how you care for the wounds and incisions, your consistency in taking the surgeon’s prescribed medications, hygiene, among many others. The best and fastest recovery is one that is spear-headed by the surgeon. As a patient, you will be required to exercise patience to give the incisions ample time to heal. Most importantly, always follow the doctor’s instructions.
Conclusion
As you prepare for a plastic surgery consultation, let this article be a guide to help you prepare a list of questions to ask the surgeon.