Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. This is why anyone considering a procedure, no matter how small or large, must first consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. Although any respectable surgeon will provide all the relevant information about a given procedure, it is very useful to have a list of questions that you want to have answered. The following are all incredibly important questions to have answered.  

1. What results can I expect?

One of the best ways to ensure that you are satisfied with your cosmetic surgery is to have realistic expectations. This is why it’s very important to ask your surgeon what results you can expect from your procedure and how long they will last. The answer to these questions will of course vary from one procedure to the next and will also depend on your age, sex, body type, and whether this is a primary or secondary procedure.

2. What are the risks?

This is another incredibly important question to ask. In truth, any surgeon worth considering should let you know potential risks without you having to ask but it’s very important that you get a clear answer on this before going ahead with the surgery. You might decide that the risks are too great and it’s simply not worth it for you. One must remember that this is real surgery with real surgical risks.

3. What is the recovery time?

This is important to know since you’ll almost certainly have to schedule some time off work for larger procedures to give yourself time to recover. Your surgeon will be able to inform exactly what the recovery process will entail and how long it’s likely to be until you’re fully recovered.

4. What are the side effects?

As with most things in medicine, most cosmetic procedures will come with side effects. These are nearly always temporary however and will subside within a matter of weeks. It’s important to find out from your surgeon what the likely side effects of your procedure will be so you are not worried by them when they occur.

5. How much will it cost?

This seems like a no-brainer and will of course need to be discussed before you’re able to commit. Most clinics will able financing options so if you are not able to afford the full cost up front, you can spread it over a period of time that is realistic for you.

6. What should I do to prepare?

Knowing how to prepare for your surgery will limit the risk of complications and also ensure that you’re fully prepared. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on the exact steps you need to take for the procedure you’re having done. In our office, we provide pre operative packets that give our patients a step-by-step process of ow best to prepare and things to avoid.

7. What are your qualifications?

No reputable surgeon should be offended by this question. When you get cosmetic surgery, you are trusting your health to another human being. You should feel confident that your surgeon is fully qualified and has a proven track record. Qualifications from highly respected medical schools, residencies, and sometimes fellowships are always a big bonus.

8. How often have you performed this procedure?

Cosmetic surgeons will often specialize and have a reputation for carrying out certain types of procedures. Because cosmetic surgery covers a wide spectrum of procedures, surgeons will have more experience with some more than others. Knowing how often your surgeon has performed the procedure your are considering will give you invaluable insight into their experience and therefore the quality of results you can expect.

9. Can I speak to previous patients who’ve had this procedure?

This is one of the best ways to reassure yourself that your surgeon knows what they’re doing and delivers good results for their patients. In order to protect the confidentially of their patients, you’ll usually be asked to leave your number so that they’re able to contact you directly. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions to ask any previous patients you speak to also.

10. How much scarring will there be?

Since the whole purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve your appearance, it’s very important to know just how much scarring your surgery will leave and how likely it is to fade over time. In most procedures, it’s possible hide surgery scars so they’re out of sight. For example, when performing breast surgery, the incision will be made underneath the breasts so they’re hidden from plain sight.