It’s a common scenario for patients during a plastic surgery consult. They spend the days, even weeks, before their appointment wondering about the procedure, recovery and results. Then they sit down with their doctor and every question they had is gone. When the doctor asks them what questions they have, their response is something along the lines of, “Nothing for now.”
Feeling overwhelmed, getting flustered and forgetting your questions is understandable. Plastic surgery consultations are exciting. But if you want to get the most out of the experience and come away informed and prepared for your procedure, you need to ask questions.
Overcome Your Fears
Questioning a professional can feel awkward, but your plastic surgeon wants you to learn as much as you can before surgery.
The first step is getting over your fear of questioning your doctor. Don’t be embarrassed by this as it is extremely common. Remember that your plastic surgeon is providing you with a service, so there is no reason to be hesitant asking your doctor questions.
Plus, they want you to ask questions because informed patients are the best and most prepared patients.
So, what questions should you be asking your plastic surgeon?
Ask about Their Experience and Qualifications
This is the ideal place to start. Your consult allows the doctor to get to know you and learn about your concerns and goals. It is also the perfect time for you to get to know them, as well. Ask them about their experience and qualifications. Some questions you might pose include:
- How many times have you performed the procedure I’m interested in?
- What are your professional certifications?
- Do you engage in continuing education?
- What techniques do you use when performing this surgery, and why do you feel they are superior?
Ask to See Before and After Photos
Another important question to ask is if the plastic surgeon has documentation showing the results they can deliver with the surgery you are interested in. As you go through their portfolio, look specifically for patients with a starting point similar to yours to see how the surgeon was able to help them. If possible, ask the doctor to pick out patients that most closely match your starting point and end goals.
Ask about Surgery Prep
Once you are feeling good about their experience and results, you should start asking them about getting ready for your surgery. While prep isn’t typically too extensive, there will always be things you need to do. Come to the consultation with a list of all medications and supplements you take, that way your plastic surgeon can clearly outline which ones need to be stopped before surgery. Some questions you should consider asking about surgery prep include:
- How many days in advance should I stop certain medications?
- What foods should I eat in the weeks leading up to surgery?
- Should I set hydration goals in the weeks before my surgery?
- How many hours before my procedure should I start fasting?
- How should I prepare my recovery space?
- What help will I need to arrange for the recovery period?
- How many days will I need to request off from work?
Ask about Recovery and Results
Finally, be sure to ask all the questions you have about recovery and results. The recovery period is easily the most intimidating part of the process, and everyone wants to know when they will see their results. Some questions you might want to pose include:
- How will my pain be managed during the recovery period?
- How soon will I be able to exercise again?
- What lifting restrictions will I have?
- Will there be visible bruising?
- How can I manage my emotions as I recover?
- When will I be able to see results?
Of course, you shouldn’t limit yourself to these questions. If there is something you are curious about, put it out there. There isn’t anything too silly to ask.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He is a member of numerous societies including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
