What to Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 10:51 AM

Before having a cosmetic procedure done, prepare by asking these 6 questions.

 Research is an important part of every decision, and this is especially true when deciding on a cosmetic surgery procedure. It’s a good idea to consult multiple physicians before making a choice and to ask the right questions. Dr. Drew Ordon of The Doctors shares what patients should ask before they have a procedure done.

• Have you performed many of these procedures? Ask your doctor how experienced they are with performing your specific procedure. Some physicians specialize in certain procedures or areas of the body, so find out what your doctor’s specialty is.
• How much does it hurt? Everyone handles pain differently and the varying levels of muscle involvement go a long way toward determining how painful a procedure is. Generally, cosmetic surgery doesn’t involve deep work in the muscles or organs, and usually the pain level is not bad compared to other surgical procedures.
• What type of anesthesia will be used? He says that it depends on the patient and their procedure, but there are methods of light, general anesthesia that keep you partly awake during surgery. He also notes that anesthesia today is much safer than in the past and often, no breathing tube is even needed.
• How long does recovery take? Most patients are healed enough to be seen at 10 days and really look good at one month post operation. Dr. Ordon says that by 2 months, you should look great. If you have a procedure that stimulates the growth of collagen, final results are typically seen about 6 months following treatment.
• Have you ever been sued? Some people feel embarrassed to ask this question, however it’s an important one. Talk to your physician about their past and if they’ve been sued for malpractice or had any legal action taken against them. A reputable doctor will be forthcoming with any information. There are also websites and state licensing boards you can check with to be certain.
• How long will the results last? According to Dr. Ordon, the results are going to last forever. He says that there is no stopping gravity, so skin will continue to sag, but you will always be 10 years ahead of the curve.

Dr. Ordon says patients should also make certain that their doctor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Furthermore, surgical procedures are typically performed at a surgery center and patients should find out if their surgery center is properly accredited by their state.

Tips for Finding the Right Cosmetic Surgeon

• The Questions Every Cosmetic Surgery Patient Should Ask
• Choosing the Right Doctor – Tip 1: Make Sure They Have Many Tools
• Choosing the Right Doctor – Tip 2: Make Sure They Have Experience