7 Questions About Cosmetic Surgery to Ask During Initial Consultation

by Belle O 

As a society we are consistently bombarded with flawless images of well Photoshopped models and dazzling celebrities propelling often romantic standards of beauty that has prompted the rise in popularity of many cosmetic procedures.

While the idea of going under the knife to achieve drastic before and afters might sound glamorous to some, the process of choosing and undergoing cosmetic surgery should not be taken lightly. It is still after all a surgical procedure.

It is important for any one considering plastic surgery to thoroughly conduct their research and be armed with enough information in other to make the right decisions. For many of us with little knowledge of this field, industry jargon can be confusing that’s why
asking the right questions about cosmetic surgery is crucial.
The initial consultation is the first opportunity to meet the surgeon, gauge how you feel about him or her, know their experience and credentials and get answers to any questions you might have.
In order to get all the facts about your surgery at this consultation, you should be prepared and armed with a list of questions that will help you decide who the right surgeon for the job is. Do not be afraid to ask these questions about cosmetic surgery confidently, after all it is body that is being operated on.

1.) Are you certified or part of an Industry association?

What does it mean to be a certified surgeon, does this change in different areas? Generally most areas or zones will have an association that a surgeon can be part off.
Surgeons who are part of industry associations are valued higher, as associations generally have high standards that they hold their members accountable for.
Ask the question. Then verify the answer by checking with the association, also check for any association certificate on display in the clinics office. It is also a good idea to check for any disciplinary actions, lawsuits or complaints associated with the surgeon.

2.) How often do you do this procedure?

Obviously you would not want to be the surgeons first patient for the procedure you require.  But would you want to even be in the top 50?
Ideally your surgeon will have done this procedure hundreds of times, and preform it regularly so their skills are sharp.   Do not be embarrassed to ask this question, it is not rude it is something that you need to know.

3.) How many staff will assist and who are they?

Asking about the other team members involved, and their qualifications is a great way to get an insight into the level of overall experience in the surgery.
Is there extra staff available if there is an emergency? Will there be any interns or medical students in the operating room? It is important to know who is a part of the surgeon’s surgical support team and their qualifications and experience.

4.) Is the procedure performed on site?

Not all procedures will be performed in the surgeon’s place of business; some procedures are performed in a hospital or medical centre.  For those with health complications, having the procedure done in a hospital may provide extra assurance although it can be more expensive, especially if an overnight stay is required.

5.) What are some common risks associated with this procedure?

All surgery carries some risk, whether it be cosmetic or otherwise. Blood loss, infection or reactions to anaesthesia are the general risks associated with surgery.
Other risks vary from patient to patient and can be heightened by the patients’ health and medical history. As plastic surgery is elective, the surgeon reserves the right to refuse to operate if they feel the risk to the patient is too great.

6.) Do you have any testimonials from previous patients?

Although you may not be able to contact previous patients, for privacy reasons, a list of testimonials will let you know about their experiences.  Also a collection of before and after shots that you can look through will give you an indication on what your results may be.
These questions will only take a few minutes to answer and may help you decide what is the best and safest way to proceed with your surgery.

7) Will there be anesthesia involved and what type?

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed with some type of anesthesia. Typically if the procedure requires a significant amount of time or performed on a larger area, then patients are usually put to sleep whereas if it is smaller procedure on a small, local area, a local anesthesia might be used.
It is crucial to know whether you will be asleep or awake during the procedure, what type of anesthetic will be used, who will be administering the anesthetic as well as their experience and qualifications.
Article by: Samantha, a plastic surgery researcher and writer.