Ask Dr. Man- Consultation Questions

Yesterday I addressed a reader’s question of how to find a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Once you find a good surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, the next step is to set up an initial consultation. As promised, in this week’s column, I am giving you some advice on what kinds of questions you should ask during your initial consultation with the plastic surgeon. 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 options are available to you with regards to the procedure 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 you are considering. 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 involved with the surgery. 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 associated with the surgery, such as fees for the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the recovery room nurses, the operating room and follow-up visits. Many doctors offer financing options. While most cosmetic surgery today is not covered by insurance, you may still 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 case may be, you want to be sure you choose the right doctor for you. Remember, just because a friend, colleague or acquaintance had a good experience with a doctor does not mean this will be true for you. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable with the doctor, consider consulting with another doctor until you feel comfortable with your choice. Best of luck!

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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.