Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Of course you are not expected to ask all of these questions but you are entitled to if you want to. If a surgeon decides he doesn't have time to answer all of these questions, then you can decide that you don't have time to hand over several thousand dollars. Don't forget, YOU are in charge.
Surgeon: ________________________ Date: _________ Time: _____ am/pm
phone: _________________ address: _______________________________
website: __________________________ referrer: ______________________
Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery: yes no
Certified by American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: yes no
Other: _________________________________________________________
Rating (circle one)
Patient referral list available: yes no
bedside manner: poor fair average above average excellent
communication skills: poor fair average above average excellent
attitude of staff: poor fair average above average excellent
appearance of surgeon: poor fair average above average excellent
office appearance: poor fair average above average excellent
Questions all answered: yes no
Viewed before & after photos: yes no
Overall Rating: poor fair average above average excellent
What made you decide to become a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
How long have you been practicing as a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon?
________________________________________________________
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? If so, How long?
________________________________________________________
If not, are you board eligible? If not? Why not?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
If not certified by the ABPS, are you certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery? If so, How long?
________________________________________________________
What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice Cosmetic Plastic surgery?
________________________________________________________
Have you ever been disciplined by a board or by the state?
________________________________________________________
Have you been involved in any medical malpractice suits? If so how many?
________________________________________________________
What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
How many [insert procedure here] have you performed?
________________________________________________________
How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you perform?
________________________________________________________
Have you or would you be willing to perform this procedure on a loved one or family member?
________________________________________________________
Would there be any reason that I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?
________________________________________________________
What are the complications for this particular procedure?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
I have heard of patients developing a hematoma, this scares me; what is it, how often does it and occur how is it dealt with?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Are there other techniques, newer ones perhaps, that I am not aware of?
________________________________________________________
Do you have a video tape available of the [insert procedure here] procedure that I may check out?
________________________________________________________
How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
Will there be much pain?
________________________________________________________
What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
I am sensitive to Vicodin and Codeine (it makes some people nauseated), what alternative medications do you offer? (if applicable)
________________________________________________________
Do you perform your surgeries with the patient under General, Light Sleep Sedation or any other? Which do you prefer and why?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
I have heard that general anesthesia makes the patient sick to their stomach, is this true? What can you do to lessen its effect?
________________________________________________________
Can I view your Before & After photos? Do you have any consecutive collections?
________________________________________________________
May I speak with any of your patients who have had [insert procedure here]? Do you have a patient/referral list so that I may call them?
________________________________________________________
Do you have many repeat patients and referrals?
________________________________________________________
How many of these procedures do you perform on average, annually?
________________________________________________________
Will there be much bruising or swelling?
________________________________________________________
When should I expect to look "normal" again?
________________________________________________________
I have heard SinEcch, a pharmaceutical grade derivative of Arnica montana, helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Is this true? Do you suggest it? What about the topical gel?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
What about Bromelain or drinking pineapple juice? Anything else?
________________________________________________________
Will I have scarring? If so, how bad will it be?
________________________________________________________
Do you recommend silicone sheeting, topical geks or use "steri-strips" for lessening of scars? Do you think this helps?
________________________________________________________
Do you have an onsite accredited Surgery Center? May I see it?
________________________________________________________
Who is responsible for cleaning/sterilizing your operating room? Does a separate company handle it or does your staff handle this area?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Do you have hospital privileges, should I choose to undergo my procedure in a hospital? If not, did you lose those privileges?
________________________________________________________
Will I have a certified anesthesiologist or a Doctor of anesthesiology if I have General anesthesia?
________________________________________________________
What side effects are possible with [insert procedure here]?
________________________________________________________
What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?
________________________________________________________
Must I abide by any special diet, both pre-operatively and post-operatively?
________________________________________________________
I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.) will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia? Don't forget to view the Medication & Supplement List
________________________________________________________
What would you do if I were to choose to undergo the surgery and I had a complication?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
If my results are not what I wanted, what is your policy on revisions? Can I have this in writing?
________________________________________________________
Do you believe my expectations can be met?
________________________________________________________
What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded?
________________________________________________________
If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
________________________________________________________
If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?
________________________________________________________
If I will need sutures (stitches), when will they be taken out?
________________________________________________________
Are there any hidden costs that I should know about? For lab work, post-operative check-ups, additional medications, compression garments or surgical attire?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
If I need anything after-hours, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
________________________________________________________
What is your protocol on post-op care?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Do you offer financing (if applicable)? Do you expect full payment up front?
Can I pay in increments? (or any other financial questions you may have)
_________________________________________________________
When will I be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports?
___________________________________________________________
Notes:______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
*All Content Copyright © NewImage.com 2001-present. All Rights Reserved*

