Ask Dr, Man - Top Qestions to Ask at a Consultation

Last time we discussed how to find a doctor that is right for you. The next step, once you find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable, is 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 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 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 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 can you 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 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 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 comfortable with your choice.

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Next topic: Skin rejuvenation

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.

Ask Dr Man – Finding a Plastic Surgeon

When you decide to have cosmetic surgery, the first and most important step you can take is to find a doctor that is right for you, one that can help you reach your goals. Television shows like Extreme Makeover, Nip & Tuck, and Dr. 90210 feature the latest trends in plastic surgery; however, you must remember that these are entertainment programs that often present extreme cases that may not reflect your interests.

So, that being said, where should you begin? In my opinion, the phone book and advertisements are not the best resources for information. Instead, I recommend asking friends, family members, and colleagues you respect. Another good source is your family doctor or other medical professionals. Exercise caution if you choose to use the Internet, and make sure any information you get is from a credible source. Be wary of web sites that provide referral services, which are often paid for by the doctor. Better Internet sources are those of professional organizations, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Once you have a list of doctors to choose from, I suggest calling a few offices and getting answers to the following important questions before deciding on a surgeon.

• Is the surgeon board-certified in plastic surgery? Board certified plastic surgeons are full-time plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and who have the surgical skills and judgment to perform a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures on the total body.

• Is the surgeon a member in good standing of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Inc. and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)? These organizations represent board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. They can provide a list of board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. For more information about the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, call 888-4-plastic or visit www.plasticsurgery.org; and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, call 215-587-9322 or visit www.surgery.org).
  

• Is the surgical facility fully equipped and accredited to perform outpatient surgery? Does the surgeon have privileges to perform these same procedures in the hospital? Accrediting organizations that can provide you with more information are: the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (888-545-5222 or www.aaasf.org); the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (630-792-5800 or www. jaaacaho.org); and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (847-853-6060 or www.aaahc.org).

Next topic: Preparing for your consultation: Top questions to ask.

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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.

Ask Dr. Man - Introduction

Dear Readers,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Daniel Man. I am a board-certified plastic surgeon with a successful private practice in Boca Raton, and over 25 years of experience. For years, it has been my mission to help people improve their appearance and feel better about themselves.

My goal is to educate people on the latest trends in plastic surgery. Are you curious about a new procedure you heard about? Not sure what to expect from your first consultation with a plastic surgeon? Trying to decide what procedure is right for you? I’m here to answer all of your questions and more. I will address a range of different topics related to plastic surgery, such as:

• How young is too young for plastic surgery?
• How do I decide what size breast implants to get?
• How do I get rid of the tummy from when I was pregnant?
• Do I really need a facelift, or are there other ways to delay the aging process?
• Is plastic surgery getting a bad rap?
• Should men get facelifts?
• Do breast implants cause any known diseases?
• Can I get a neck lift without a face lift?
• Are “extreme makeovers” true, as portrayed on television?

I encourage you to email me with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.

Next topic: What size breast implants should I get?

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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.