Plastic surgery has gained popularity, and both women and men are embracing the idea of enhancing their appearance via surgery. There are numerous things to consider, and patients should present relevant questions to potential surgeons to establish their experience, skills, and credentials. Below is a list of questions you should ask your prospective surgeon before hiring them.
Where Will the Surgery Be Performed?
Ask your plastic surgeon where your surgery will take place. Most plastic and cosmetic surgeries are outpatient operations. Outpatient facilities are different, and you should ask relevant questions to establish if your chosen facility is surgically accredited.
What Kind of Anesthesia Will You Use?
There are three categories of anesthesia. Local anesthesia temporarily numbs a specific area of your body and is usually applied at the surgery site. Regional anesthesia helps numb a particular area of the body and is administered through the nerves, providing a feeling for that specific part of the body. Regional anesthesia numbs an extensive part of your body and is used to numb new moms during childbirth. General anesthesia is primarily used in cosmetic surgery and helps induce unconsciousness during the operation. General anesthesia has varying degrees, and you can discuss its effectiveness with your surgeon.
Are You Board-Certified?
Patients shouldn’t be shy about asking potential surgeons about their professional qualifications. Joel Aronowitz, MD advises patients to visit the certifying agency website to confirm the membership of a prospective plastic surgeon. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons allows plastic surgeons to become members when they pass the set-down requirements. Confirming the qualifications enables patients to feel confident and have trust in the abilities of a potential plastic surgeon.
How Many Times Have You Performed the Surgery?
Patients shouldn’t feel offended about asking a surgeon the number of times they have successfully performed the procedure they’re considering. Chatting with patients regarding the number of operations you’ve done is essential as it allows the patient to trust your abilities. You’ll be putting your safety, cosmetic looks, and health into the hands of this plastic surgeon, which is why it’s crucial to assess their experience.
What Medical Personnel Will Assist With My Surgery?
It’s essential to know the range of other medical staff who will facilitate your surgery and their experience level. Ask whether the plastic surgeon is associated with teaching hospitals and whether any students will be undertaking the surgery. It’s up to you to establish the level of expertise and comfort with the possibility of medical students assisting in your surgery. All surgical team members are usually fully licensed with tons of experience in surgery.
What Are the Risks of This Procedure?
Everything in surgery and medicine has potential complications and side effects. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort after the surgery. However, complications are rare in plastic surgery, and the common ones include infection and bleeding. Each operation has its complications, and ethical and competent healthcare providers must educate patients regarding these risks. Some hitches require further surgery, while others are easy to treat.
Finding a reputable surgeon for your needs increases the possibility of achieving your desired outcome. Schedule initial consultations with multiple plastic surgeons and ask them relevant questions covering everything from safety and aesthetics to recovery and cost, and narrow the search accordingly.