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Making the very personal decision to undergo plastic surgery can be difficult, and choosing a plastic surgeon can add to the stress and confusion you may be feeling in the early stages of seeking a procedure. This is why being an educated patient is one of the best things you can do for a positive and desired outcome. Yet, many times patients aren’t quite sure what they should be asking prior to the day of the procedure. Here is a list that may help you discover a few important questions you should be asking your plastic surgeon before committing to having a procedure.

1. Are You a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

This is one of the most important questions to ask of any doctor you’ve approached to receive cosmetic surgery. Not all doctors are qualified to do every procedure, despite being a licensed, medical doctor. There is more than one certifying board that can permit a plastic surgeon to call himself “board-certified,” and those are The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPR), The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), as well as The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Knowing what your surgeon’s board certification entails is crucial in helping you decide if you trust them to handle your surgery.

2. Do You Have Lots of Experience Doing This Procedure?

For your best outcome and safety, always ask your surgeon how many times he or she has actually performed your procedure. A surgeon with many procedures of that type under their belt can help give you confidence in whom you’ve chosen to help you reach your cosmetic surgery goals. The longer a doctor has been performing your chosen procedure, the more likely you are to have a pleasing result.

3. Will There Be Other People Involved With My Procedure?

Another question you may want to pose includes asking whether or not other staff members or assistants will be in the room while your procedure is being performed. Many times, there are assistants involved while the doctor is completing your procedure. Knowing who those people are ahead of time can make the situation far more comfortable for everyone involved, especially you. If at any time you have concerns, be sure to address those as soon as possible ahead of your appointment. Ask about the anesthesiologist who will be ensuring your safety and comfort. If any of those answers concern you, follow up right away.

4. Where Will I Have the Procedure Performed?

Some procedures happen in the office, while extensive procedures may take place in hospitals, or more likely, a surgery center dedicated to patients who will require monitoring once their procedure is over. Always ask about the accreditation of any such surgery site or in-office facility. Your center should be accredited by the American Association of Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Depending on how much work you are having done, a surgical suite is commonplace for plastic surgery procedures. Ask your surgeon ahead of your appointment what to expect.

5. How Risky is This Procedure?

It’s always a top concern for anyone undergoing any kind of procedure and it’s an issue that should be addressed ahead of the day of the surgery. Ask about the most common and expected side effects, such as pain, bruising, and swelling. Yet, it is also vital to ask about less common side effects that may be more serious, including infection or necrosis. A trustworthy plastic surgeon like Dr. Deane will be honest and upfront about the statistics of side effects and adverse events, and let you know your risk of developing any of them.

6. What Will the Actual Cost Be for Me?

Most plastic surgery procedures don’t come with one-size-fits-all pricing, so it’s important to be aware of exactly how much you’ll be expected to pay upfront and the timeframe for paying other costs. You won’t just be charged for the procedure and will likewise be responsible for the costs of anesthesia, the room in the surgical center, lab costs, and fees to the doctor, aside from the procedure cost itself.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Although not an exhaustive list, we hope these questions help you be an informed consumer as well as an educated patient. Learning as much as you can before undergoing plastic surgery will make the entire experience much more pleasant and your aftercare a bit less stressful. Let us help you get the answers you deserve in a no-obligation consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leland Deane. He can help you understand a specific procedure, or provide guidance on how to prepare for plastic surgery during your appointment. Schedule your consultation today by calling our Garden City office or by filling out an online contact form!