Questions to ask your doctor1) Questions about the Doctor:
Q: Are you Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery?
A: A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon must complete an approved residency that usually involves 6 to 8 years of general surgery and plastic surgery, and take both written and oral exams.
Q: What associations are you currently a member of?
A: Look for membership in the American Medical Association, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, etc.
Q: What is your safety record?
A: Your plastic surgeon should know his/her safety record.
Q: What is your success rate?
A: Your plastic surgeon should know his/her success rate.
Q: What procedures do you specialize in?
A: Most doctors do have procedures that are their "favorites." While this does not mean the quality of a procedure that is not their specialty would be inferior, it is good to know a doctor’s area of specialization.
2) Questions about the Procedure:
Q: How long does the entire process take, from start to finish?
A: Your procedure(s) may require lab work or more than one consultation.
Q: What are my options for anesthesia?
A: Your procedure(s) may have several options for anesthesia.
Q: What can I expect right after the procedure?
A: Some procedures require a hospital stay while other procedures require at-home care. Be sure to discuss these requirements with your doctor.
Q: How much physical pain can I expect from the procedure?
A: You may experience minor discomfort during the healing process.
Q: When can I resume normal activities?
A: Normal activities are any steps taken during the course of a normal day, excluding exercise. Some procedures may restrict lifting of any sort or contact with the area. Bed rest can also be required for a certain period of time.
Q: When can I go back to work?
A: Depending on the nature of your job, the doctor should give you an exact idea of when you can return to work.
Q: When can I resume my exercise regimen?
A: On average, patients should allow for 2 weeks before exercising, but the doctor will give you specific information regarding your particular regimen.
Q: What are the possible side effects associated with the procedure?
A: With any surgical procedure, there are risks. You need to understand these risks and how often they are associated with the procedure you're interested in.
Q: How long will it take to notice full effects?
A: Some procedures involve bruising and swelling. Other procedures require a certain amount of time to “settle” and take on the final shape. Depending on the procedure, your doctor will let you know how long it will take before you will see the end result.
Q: Will this procedure inhibit any future activities?
A: The most common concern associated with this question is the ability to breast feed (breast augmentation) the effects of having children (tummy tuck) or loss of erection (penile enlargement). If you have any questions about the future effects of a procedure, always ask the doctor.
3) Questions about cost and payments:
Q: Does your office have financing available?
A: Most doctors offer access to financing.
Q: Does your office provide other payment options, besides financing?
A: Some offices provide a "lay-away" plan that allows you to save for a down payment and work towards paying off the balance.
Q: If I’m paying out of pocket, what are your terms and conditions?
A: Some doctors will allow you to pay 50% of procedure upfront, and then the other 50% at a specified point in time.
Q: Are there any incentives for paying upfront?
A: Some doctors give discounts for patients who pay upfront.
Q: If I decide to have more than one procedure done, will I receive a discount?
A: Some doctors offer a discounted for multiple procedures.
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