questions to ask

The following list of questions covers the essentials when considering plastic surgery. Research into the number of procedures completed, outcomes and any complications plays an important part in choosing a plastic surgeon.

Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?

Before getting into any matters of experience, credentials, or outcomes, ask the surgeon if you are a good candidate for the procedure you are considering. The plastic surgeon’s answer should be informed and educational and not put any pressure on you to undergo the procedure or any additional surgeries. This first question can tell you a lot about the plastic surgeon you are considering.

plastic surgery: questions to ask

What board certifications does the plastic surgeon have?

Board certifications can be confusing and most doctors offering plastic surgery claim to be certified. In most states, including Oklahoma, doctors can practice plastic surgery without a board certification. For plastic surgeons, certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery is your best bet. Many doctors practicing as plastic surgeons are certified, but often not from the ABPS. Ask to see a copy of the surgeon’s certification.

What training has the plastic surgeon completed?

In addition to American Board of Plastic Surgery certification, ask the plastic surgeon if he or she has completed an accredited residency, specifically in plastic surgery. These programs traditionally last three years and include intensive training in plastic and reconstructive procedures. You can simply ask to see their diplomas and certifications to confirm their training.

How many times has the plastic surgeon performed this specific procedure?

Be specific. Ask exactly how many times the surgeon has performed the procedure you are considering. This experience is essential in your decision. Ask about outcomes, success rates, and complications from performing the procedure.

How long has the doctor been in practice and performing the procedure you are considering?

A plastic surgeon’s experience is a key indicator of their skills and the potential outcome of your procedure. Ask the surgeon how long he or she has been in practice and how many times he or she has performed the procedure you are considering. You will want a plastic surgeon who is very experienced in performing the specific surgery you are considering. Also, ask to speak with several former patients about their outcomes and their experiences with the physician.

Ask to see before and after photos of former patients.

Experience and qualifications are very important, but just as important are results. You will likely be shown a few before and after photos of previous patients. Before making a decision, ask to see dozens, even hundreds of before and after photos of patients. This will allow you to both confirm positive outcomes for other patients and that the surgeon has indeed performed the procedure a number of times. Again, ask to speak with several patients about their experience with the surgeon.

What is the instance of complications resulting from the surgery?

Ask the plastic surgeon to share complication rates and any specific complications patients have experienced after having the procedure you are considering. In general, complications from plastic surgery are low, but every surgeon has had them, and if they are not willing to share this information with you, then perhaps there are other issues they are not sharing with you.

Is the facility Medicare certified and state licensed?

Just as important as individual plastic surgeon certification and licensure is certification and licensing of the facility. If a facility is certified by both Medicare and state licensing organizations, it means there is strict adherence to safety, operational, management, and sterilization protocols.

Which hospitals have granted privileges to the surgeon?

While most plastic and cosmetic procedures take place in the physician’s office or in outpatient surgical settings, many invasive procedures still require they be performed in a hospital. Ask the surgeon which hospitals have granted him or her privileges to operate. You can then check with the hospital simply by calling and asking for the credentialing office. This will confirm that the plastic surgeon meets the requirements of the hospital to be on the staff.

Who performs anesthesia during surgeries?

Ask the surgeon who performs sedation in the operating room. Anesthesia is an extremely important aspect of surgery and assuring that all proper protocols and procedures are followed is vital. Paying acute attention to details, such as blood pressure and heart rate, plays an important part in the success of the procedure and health of the patient. Ask if the surgeon gives sedation/anesthesia or if it is performed by a nurse anesthetist or certified anesthesiologist.

What are the financing options?

Since plastic and cosmetic surgery is primarily an elective procedure, financing is the responsibility of the patient. Ask the plastic surgeon’s office what forms of payment they accept, if they have alternate financing arrangements, such as payment plans or approved lenders. All costs and financing should be worked out prior to any procedure.