What To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Going Under The Knife

Getting a cosmetic procedure is not a decision you should take lightly. To ensure you’ll have the results you’re looking for, you’ll need to find the plastic surgeon that is right for you.

Here are 5 topics you should investigate before choosing a plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure. You’ll be ready for your consultation with this list of questions.

1.    Qualifications

Before you sign up for a cosmetic surgery procedure, you’ll want to make sure your plastic surgeon has the proper qualifications. Not all plastic surgeons have specific plastic surgery training and experience. Board Certified plastic surgeons have attained a certain level of training and experience in cosmetic surgery. In Canada, plastic surgeons are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  Board certified plastic surgeons operate in accredited facilities and follow a strict code of ethics.
Here are some questions to ask:

• How often and for how many years has the physician performed the procedure?
• What other procedures does the physician perform?
• Who will assist in the procedure/surgery? What are their qualifications and training?

2.  Experience

When considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, you’ll want to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who is specialized in the procedure that you are interested in having. One way of ensuring good results is to look for a plastic surgeon who has worked with a variety of patients with different body types and who has knowledge of the most current techniques.
Ask how often your plastic surgeon performs the certain type of procedure that you’re looking to get. Want to know a surgeon’s aesthetic style? Look at before and after photos of past procedures done by the surgeon. Experience is king when it comes to plastic surgery.

3.  Sedation

It’s a good idea to know who will be part of the surgical support team and who will be monitoring the anesthesia. The biggest risk in surgery is often from general anesthesia. Highly trained specialists are needed to administer and monitor general anesthesia. Local anesthetic can be used for certain procedures.
Here are some questions to ask:

• Will there be sedation during the procedure? If yes, what level of sedation will be used?
• Who will administer and monitor the anesthesia?
• How long will the procedure last?
• How long will the sedation effects last?

4. Risks and Complications

There is no such thing as a risk-free cosmetic procedure. Be sure to ask about any risks and complications associated with the procedure. You may experience some side-effects from the anaesthesia (eg. nausea, vomiting) but you also need to be aware of other risks that may be associated with your chosen surgery (eg. blood clots). Weigh the benefits against the possibility of complications before you make a decision to undergo any plastic surgery treatment. Remember to stay well-informed.
Ask your plastic surgeon for recommendations to manage any possible side-effects with both over-the-counter and prescription medication, for example, a pain medication or medication to stop nausea. In case you experience any complication post-surgery, take note of who you can contact and if there are any costs to cover any additional treatments or appointments.
Each procedure has varying recovery times. You’ll want to know how much time you need to take off from work to recover. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon about the recovery time needed before you undergo a procedure.
These are some questions you may want to ask your plastic surgeon:

• After the procedure, where will there be scarring?
• What are the risks associated with this procedure?
• Are there any post-surgery concerns to watch for?
• Do you offer revisions and at what cost?

5. Preparing for Surgery

Talk to your plastic surgeon about any pre-surgery diet or medication restrictions.  You may need to stop smoking or lose weight before undergoing surgery. Mention any allergies, previous surgeries or medical conditions to your plastic surgeon. You should provide a list of any prescription medications, supplements or over-the-counter medications that you take.
Arm yourself with the right questions to ask your plastic surgeon before making your decision to undergo a plastic surgery procedure. You can take this list of questions to your consultation with Dr. Bowman at Fairview Plastic Surgery & Skin Care Centre.

About Fairview Plastic Surgery & Skin Care Centre: Dr. Cameron Bowman is a fully trained aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon. His practice is located at Suite 480 – 999 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z1K5. Contact him at 604.734.1416 or www.fairviewplasticsurgery.com