You’ve been considering plastic surgery – thinking of a consultation and preparing. To get the most out of your consultation it’s beneficial to you and the plastic surgeon to have questions ready to ask. And while there’s no such thing as a bad or wrong question, there are definitely some critical questions that you should ask during your allotted time with your plastic surgeon! The answers to these questions will help you be more confident when preparing and choosing a particular surgeon.
1. Is the surgeon board-certified in plastic surgery?
When you learn that a surgeon is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, you confirm that he or she has completed extensive written, oral and clinical certification in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In the United States, the two national medical committees that offer approved training programs in plastic and reconstructive surgery, include: the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
2. How much experience do you have performing the procedure I want?
One of the most important questions – and that’s because you want to make sure the surgeon has a lot of experience performing the procedure you’re considering. You can also ask the doctor to show you their before and after photos for the procedure which they will most likely do without being asked.
3. What type of anesthesia is involved?
Surgery is no light matter and the type of anesthesia involved is important regarding how it will be provided. When you are clear on your anesthesia options, you’re able to physically and mentally prepare for a safe procedure. The type of anesthesia depends on the type of procedure, as well as the individual needs. The goal is to make you feel more comfortable and safer while the surgeon performs the surgery.
4. What is the recovery like?
Before you schedule a surgery, you need to know all about the recovery – how long it is, what you can and cannot do, when you can return to work, and how much it will limit your daily activities. If you’re thinking of one surgery and the recovery is a week-long, but you’re only able to take three days off work, you’re not going to have enough time. When you have insufficient time (and help from friends or family) to recover, it places your health, safety, and results at risk.
You must ask how long you’ll need to take off work, how much help you’ll need with childcare, and how long before you can return to your normal exercise routine. Depending on the procedure, you could be “out of commission” for days, if not weeks.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Banis Plastic Surgery, contact us today!