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When a person decides to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, more times than not, they have done a sufficient amount of research and homework prior to their consultation. Thanks to the internet, a bevy of information is available to people regarding the procedure they are interested in pursuing.
Interactive sites, such as Real Self, afford patients the opportunity to post a question and have a multitude of plastic surgeons respond. Conversely, numerous questions and answers are already posted which visitors can peruse.
When an individual has ultimately located a San Diego cosmetic surgeon they would like to meet with, what follows is a consultation. However, before even scheduling this time, do make sure the doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon and has hospital privileges.
This consultation stage is to convey aesthetic wishes as well as learning more detailed information regarding a procedure. It’s also an opportunity to ask the plastic surgeon an array of important questions. Answers to them will help a person decide whether or not the doctor they are meeting with is the right plastic surgeon for them.
In the world of plastic surgery, there is a range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Realizing this distinction, it’s only natural that particular plastic surgeons are deemed specialists in certain areas such as tummy tucks and breast augmentations. San Diego facelifts are also a speciality. With that said, it’s vital to ask how many years the surgeon has performed a given procedure along with the number of times.
Also ask that the surgeon explain how the surgery will be performed. More progressive surgeons will have a touch screen in the examining room and a photo of the patient uploaded onto the screen. This advanced software allows both the doctor and the patient to meticulously discuss the operation in detail.
While at the consultation, also request to see “before and after” pictures of patients who have undergone the very same procedure. Many plastic surgeons already have online photo galleries on their websites so one may want to request seeing more updated photos of these procedures.
Other questions one may want to ask are the following:
- Who else will be in the operating room? What are their experience and/or qualifications they have earned?
- Are there patient testimonials to read regarding a given procedure and would they be available to speak to by phone?
- If sedation is part of the surgery protocol, is the anesthesiologist board certified?
- How long will the surgery last?
- Where will the surgery be performed?
- If the surgery is not performed in a hospital, is the plastic surgeon’s operating suite accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or by another organization in high standing?
- Is this an outpatient procedure or an overnight stay at the hospital?
- How long will the recovery last and how many postoperative appointments are required?
- What type of medication will be given postoperatively for discomfort?
- What is the anticipated scarring for this procedure and how much will it fade over time?
- What are the “realistic expectations” of this surgery?
Be certain to take notes during the consultation and ask the doctor all these important questions among others which may surface. Remember, this is a patient’s special time dedicated to their aesthetic wishes, health, and wellness.