10 Things to Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon

Whether you’re having your first cosmetic procedure done or you’re an experienced pro, a consultation is always the first step in the process. This list is a guide to what questions you should be asking during your initial consultation.

1. What are your qualifications?

The most important thing you can ask your surgeon is if they are board certified. There are several organizations in Canada that can grant certification. This level of qualification means that your surgeon has completed comprehensive specialized training. It shows that they are extremely knowledgeable in their field and have extensive experience behind them. You can feel comfortable knowing they are committed to their practice and providing their patients with excellent results.

2. Can I see before and after photographs of your other patients?

The best indicator of a surgeon’s abilities is before and after photos of their other patients. Photos that are typically found on websites are stock imagery (for the most part) of models. This will give you a good idea of the surgeon’s skills on real people they have worked with, as well as if you like the work that they do. If you are not impressed by their work on other people, chances are you won’t be impressed by their work on you.

3. Can You Provide Me With References to Patients on Whom You Have Performed This Procedure?

You might have questions for other patients who have already undergone the cosmetic procedure that you are considering. How was their experience? Did they like the surgeon they chose? Are they happy with their results? Of course, there are confidentiality laws in place protecting the identities of patients that may prohibit your surgeon from sharing their names. However, surgeons oftentimes ask their former patients if they would be willing to speak with someone who is considering the same procedure. Past patients can give you the honest answers you’re looking for so it doesn’t hurt to ask!

4. How Many Times Have You Done This Procedure?

Understandably, most people wouldn’t want to be a surgeon’s first rhinoplasty or facelift patient. In an ideal scenario, the surgeon who performs your cosmetic procedure will have performed it so often, they will have worked out all the kinks already. That’s why it is incredibly important to ask how many times they have completed the surgery in the past, and how many times they’ve done so successfully.

5. Where will the procedure be performed?

Where a cosmetic procedure is performed depends on which procedure you are interested in having done, as well as any health factors specific to you (overall health, age, etc.). Some are performed in a hospital, while others can be done in an outpatient ambulatory centre or even in-office. As cosmetic surgery is not considered a necessity and is therefore not covered by health insurance, so procedures that are performed in a hospital can be more expensive. Finding out where the procedure will take place will let you prepare for better for financial costs associated with it.

6. How much will my surgery cost?

Speaking of costs, this should definitely be a question you’re asking at your initial consultation. Oftentimes, patients don’t realize that there are more fees involved than just the surgeon’s fees. You also have to take into consideration lab fees, operating room fees, anesthesia fees and potentially more. Of course, the price will also vary depending on what procedure you’re getting. Ask for a breakdown of all costs involved so you’re not faced with any surprises.

7. What Are the Risks Associated With This Procedure?

The risks associated with cosmetic surgery will highly depend on the procedure and the person having it done. Any form of surgery comes with risk, the most serious complications usually relating to excessive blood loss, negative reactions to general anesthesia and infection post-op, among others. Some procedures are riskier than others and talking through all the potential outcomes will allow you to make an informed decision.

8. How will any surgical complications be handled?

Find out if the surgeon and the hospital are fully insured should anything go wrong. Additionally, you can ask the surgeon what their complication rate with a specific procedure is. This could be either a percentage or an actual number count. If your surgeon isn’t able to provide you with this information, it should definitely be considered a red flag.

9. What happens if I don’t like my results?

Unfortunately, one of the risks of having a cosmetic procedure is that you may not like the results. During your consultation you can ask your surgeon about your options should your surgery not go according to plan. They may offer a program to correct any disappointing outcomes. However, keep in mind that it may take some time for certain procedures to fully heal. If you’re ever concerned, you can always make an appointment to see your surgeon.

10. What will my recovery be like?

Finding out the details of a procedure’s recovery process will help you decide when the right time to have it done is. Knowing how long you’ll be “out of commission” will help you to plan accordingly. Part of this discussion can also include what specific restrictions you should expect, aftercare instructions and any other concerns you may have regarding your recovery.

McLean Clinic offers free consultations for anyone interested in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Our expert technicians and surgeons would be more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have regarding your procedure. To schedule an appointment, contact us today!