Questions to ask your plastic surgeon
The decision to have plastic surgery should not be taken lightly. Patients who have cosmetic procedures successfully are grateful and very happy. However, less than satisfactory results & complications can occur. Even the most experienced and famous plastic surgeons have complications.
However, you want to minimize the chance of having a poor result. If the procedure is not done correctly, with careful planning and with allowing enough time for the procedure, it will not look as good as it might have. It is often difficult to correct a poorly done procedure. The surgeon trying to fix a problem now has to deal with scars and incisions that are present from the first surgery and with nerves or tissue that have been moved, stretched, or injured in ways that are not always reversible.
As a patient you are now forced to have a second or third surgery with added discomfort, loss of time from work and emotional suffering because your appearance is not what you hoped for.
Unfortunately, many patients shop for plastic surgeons the way they shop for clothes etc. They go where the bargains are and not necessarily where the quality is. Many patients don't understand exactly who they are going to see and what sort of care they will receive. Their only concern is the cost of the surgery, not who is doing it or where it will be done.
The low price you are being quoted will be much higher if you need to have more surgery. If your result is less than what you expected, the few pounds you may have saved by going to the "best deal" will not be worth it to you.
The following is a list of questions you should ask your plastic surgeon
- How often do you do this procedure?
- How many years have you been doing this procedure?
- Realistically, what results can I expect?
- What do I need to do to prepare myself for this operation?
- Is there anything in my medical history that suggests added risks or complications from this procedure?
- What are the risks and possible complications of the procedure?
- How much discomfort should I be prepared for?
- What is the recovery time?
