subject: Plastic Surgery: 5 Things To Remember When You Consult A Plastic Surgeon [print this page] There are so many issues to discuss during your first consultation with a plastic surgeon; many people forget to bring up all their questions and concerns. It is important to have all your concerns addressed, but most importantly there are 5 things that must be discussed with your plastic surgeon before you make any decisions. So write down these 5 important topics and questions on a piece of paper and bring it to your consultation so you will not forget.
1. Are you licensed and board certified? A plastic surgeon must have completed a specialty residency after medical school as well as undergone a two to three year training residency under supervision. Then they may then take written and clinical board exams to receive their license. They must then meet a continuing education requirement each year.
2. Where will the procedure be performed? Is it accredited? Will ambulatory services be available? And which hospitals do you have privileges at? Some procedures are performed in the hospital and others are performed at outpatient facilities. Accredited facilities have been inspected and determined safe for surgery procedures to be conducted there.
If the procedure is being performed at an office it is important that ambulatory service is available in the event that something goes wrong. Also, you will want to know what hospitals the doctor has privileges at. If an emergency occurs, you will be taken to one of those hospitals.
3. What procedures do you recommend? What can I expect will happen during the procedure and what will my recovery be like? Make sure you get a detailed description of the procedure. Ask about anesthesia and if hospital stay will be required. You will also want a realistic estimation of complete recovery time.
4. Are there any alternate procedures available? What are the trade-offs of these procedures? A good plastic surgeon will be willing to present more than one option that they can perform. They should be honest and realistic with you letting you know all the pros and cons of each option. They should give their professional recommendation but not be pushy. It is important to listen to the experienced doctor but ultimately, it is your decision.
5. How much experience do you have performing the procedure I need? Can I see photographs of before and after results of patients you have worked on? You do not want to be the guinea pig experiment for a plastic surgeon. You will want to choose an expert with a plethora of experience and many photographs of his own cases to show you.
by: Abigail Aaronson
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