Choose a Surgeon
Questions to Ask
To Be Wise About Beauty you need all of the facts about practitioners and their qualifications. Before committing to a physician you should ask for the following:
What is the surgeon’s experience?
Ask about the surgeon’s medical education and training specific to cosmetic surgery and the procedure which you are considering. How many procedures of this kind has the doctor done and how often does he or she perform them?
Ask for referrals from friends
Keep in mind that physicians specialize in different areas of cosmetic surgery. Most are not experts in every area. The surgeon who did a fantastic facelift on a friend may not be the most experienced to perform breast augmentation.
Before-and-after photographs
Before and after photographs can give you some indication of a surgeon's ability, although you must realize that they cannot guarantee the result you will achieve. Each patient is different and the surgeon can help determine what kind of results you should expect.
Ask where your surgery will be performed
Cosmetic surgery is performed in various facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers and office settings. An accredited surgical facility must meet certain minimum standards to obtain and maintain its accreditation. Facilities may be accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Do’s and Don’ts When Selecting a Surgeon
Do review your options
Don’t be afraid to consult with more than one cosmetic surgeon to discuss your desired outcome. There may be more than one technique available with varying risks, benefits, recovery time and results.
Do make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and his or her staff
There should be a personal rapport between you and your surgeon. In addition, you should feel at ease with the staff, as much of your communication will be with them. You should always feel that your concerns are being addressed. Do not be satisfied with an incomplete answer from anyone.
Don’t hire a doctor who:
- Is impatient and rushes you to make a decision on your surgery
- Has an environment that is un-sterile
- Is willing to combine several major surgeries into one operation. While this may save on anesthesia and surgical facility fees, safety must be the primary concern. Not only is surgery traumatic on your body, but the surgeon and staff can tire out as well. Discuss the timing of surgery with your physician and inquire about the safest method of achieving your desired results
- Refuses to answer questions or provide you with requested information
For more answers to your questions, visit the site’s "Frequently Asked Questions" page.