Interested in facial plastic surgery? Whether you’re considering rhinoplasty, facelift, or another procedure, it’s important to choose the most qualified surgeon. During your consultation, you should have a list of questions prepared to ask. Take a look at our ten questions to ask your facial plastic surgeon.
- What are your qualifications?
This is one of the most important questions to ask your facial plastic surgeon. Cover topics such as training (is he or she fellowship trained?) and board certification. If you are receiving a facial procedure, ask if he or she is board certified with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. - Do you operate at accredited surgery facilities?
Confirming that your prospective procedure will be completed inside an accredited surgery facility in the Evansville tri-state is a necessity. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states that such a facility will insure “qualified, trained, and experienced support staff, a fully qualified anesthesiologist or anesthetist, a clean and fully equipped operating room, and adequate personnel and equipment to respond to emergency situations.” - What training does your staff have?
The staff will be assisting your surgeon throughout the procedure and may often be your follow-up contact. It’s important to ask what training the staff has received and whether or not they are qualified to be assisting your facial plastic surgeon. - Am I a good candidate for X?
Although there are some preparedness guidelines that apply to all procedures, most requirements will be specific to each individual surgery. Ask your surgeon to cover all the recommended criteria specific to the procedure you desire. - Are other options available?
Your surgeon should be proactive in providing information about other options available to you. The surgeon may recommend non-surgical options or a different surgical procedure entirely. For example: sometimes a surgeon will recommend a patient undergo chin augmentation rather than rhinoplasty to establish facial uniformity. - How often do you perform X?
Ideally, your facial plastic surgeon will have completed your desired procedure dozens of times. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Get a feel for how experienced and comfortable your selected surgeon is when completing your requested procedure. - What are the risks associated with X?
No matter how common any surgery may be, there are always risks associated with each procedure. Complications are generally considered rare, but it’s still important to know what they are. Have your facial plastic surgeon explain these risks to you and how to avoid them after your procedure. - Do you have hospital privileges?
This answers whether or not your surgeon has been granted access to operate in select hospitals in the area. In the rare event that there is a complication resulting from your surgery, it’s important to know if your facial plastic surgeon will be able to continue your procedure in a nearby hospital if need be. - Can I see before and after photos of X?
Before and after photos are one of the best ways to judge your selected surgeon’s ability and skill set. Not only can you uses these images to predict what your own results will look like, but you can also check your facial plastic surgeon’s attention to detail. Be sure to ask for multiple sets of photos as not every surgery is the same. - What is the cost breakdown for X?
Most cosmetic procedures must be paid out of pocket without any help from an insurance provider, but there are a few exceptions. Make sure your facial plastic surgeon clearly explains the cost breakdown and how you will be charged or billed.
Having the proper questions primed before your consultation can help ensure a great facial plastic surgery experience. We hope you’ll be informed and confident.