Ask Dr. Man- Plastic Surgery Consultation

Dear Dr. Man, I’ve been thinking about having plastic surgery for over 2 years now and I finally decided to go for it. I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon in 2 weeks. I’m going to talk to him about having several procedures done. I remember you saying in a previous column that people should come prepared with questions at their consultation. So, what kinds of questions should I ask during my consultation?

Once you find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, it is important to know the right questions to ask during your consultation. The following are a list of some of the questions you might consider asking a surgeon during your consultation. You can use these questions as a guide when composing your own list of questions. Be sure to be specific, and make sure the doctor knows about your goals for the surgery so that he or she can advise you properly.



· Ask about the surgery itself. Where will it be performed and who will perform it? Will it be done in a hospital, outpatient center, or doctor’s facility? If the doctor has operating facilities, you will want to make sure the facility is currently licensed and accredited. Ask how long the procedure will take, what type of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer the anesthesia.

· Ask what your options are with regards to the procedures you are considering. What you may think is the best procedure may not be what the doctor recommends; or, there may be medical reasons that preclude you from having certain types of procedures. Therefore, ask the surgeon what he or she thinks is the best option for you, based on the results you want to achieve.

· Ask the surgeon if you can speak to patients who have had the procedure that has been recommended to you. This is an excellent means of learning more about the procedure and finding out if patients were happy with their experience and if their expectations were met.

· Ask what results you can realistically expect and how long these results will last. Will there be any scarring; and, if so, where will the scars be located and how can they be concealed?

· Ask about the risks. Are there any possible complications? Ask if there will be any pain or discomfort. Inquire about drainage tubes, dressings, bruising, and swelling. How long will the recovery time be?

· Ask when you will be able to go back to work and resume your normal activities. Will there be any physical limitations? When can you resume exercise? When can you wear makeup again?

· Ask about costs associate with the surgery, such as: fees for the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the recovery room nurses, the operating room and follow-up visits. Many doctors today offer financing options. While most cosmetic surgery today is not covered by insurance, you still may want to ask.

After your consultation, you may discover that you really didn’t connect with the doctor, or that he or she isn’t answering all of your questions to your satisfaction. Whatever the reason, you need to be sure; therefore, if you don’t feel 100% comfortable with the doctor, then consider consulting with another doctor until you feel totally comfortable with your choice.

Email Questions and Comments

Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.