| More and more people these days are having some | | | | surgeon. A good surgeon will be happy to provide you |
| type of cosmetic surgery done to enhance or keep | | | | with a list of his patients who have had the type of |
| their youthful appearance. As with any type of | | | | surgery that you are considering. If the surgeon denies |
| surgery, there are benefits and risks to consider. | | | | your request, ask him why. If he is not willing to provide |
| Before you decide on that face-lift or tummy tuck, you | | | | references of past patients, you may want to consider |
| should find a reputable cosmetic surgeon and prepare | | | | another surgeon. |
| a list of questions to ask before making a final decision | | | | 6. Ask to see before and after photos. |
| on the procedure. Here are the top ten questions you | | | | By seeing real photos of past patients, you will gain a |
| should ask your cosmetic surgeon: | | | | better perspective of what the outcome will be for |
| 1. For your specific needs, what type of procedure | | | | your specific procedure. It will be helpful to see the |
| would your physician or surgeon recommend? | | | | differences. |
| Although you may think you need liposuction or breast | | | | 7. What is the recovery process? |
| reduction, your physician may determine that type of | | | | Procedures vary in terms of wound recovery time |
| procedure is not appropriate for you, your body type, | | | | and length of rehabilitation programs. You should know |
| or possibly due to other health related issues you might | | | | the long-term program before your surgery to plan for |
| have. | | | | time away from work and household responsibilities. |
| Once your doctor has decided on the type of surgery | | | | Determine if your procedure will require you to stay |
| to be performed, make sure the procedure is clearly | | | | overnight at a hospital, or if it will be performed as an |
| explained to you: how it will be done, what techniques | | | | outpatient procedure. Ask if medications will be |
| will be used and what should you expect afterwards. | | | | necessary, and how long before you can resume |
| 2. What is the surgeon's expertise in this type of | | | | normal routines. Ask your surgeon what to expect, |
| procedure? | | | | such as bruising or swelling, how long it should last and |
| Most cosmetic surgeons have an area of expertise in | | | | what to do if the pain or swelling persists after the |
| which they practice. It's important to find a surgeon | | | | determined recovery period. |
| who is an expert in the field of the type of procedure | | | | 8. What are the cost or payment options? |
| you will be having done. Ask him about his experience | | | | Before you decide to have the surgery performed, |
| with this type of surgery, what the success rates are, | | | | you should know what your options are for the cost |
| what type of complications he may have encountered, | | | | of the procedure. Ask your surgeon how much it will |
| and where the procedure will take place. | | | | cost, if your insurance will cover the type of surgery |
| You should also ask where the surgeon has studied | | | | you are having done, and if not, are there any financing |
| where he received his training, education or | | | | options available through his practice, or can he refer |
| certification. | | | | you to a financing company. If you need to finance |
| 3. Ask for brochures, leaflets and websites. | | | | your surgery, make sure you know the terms of the |
| Do not just take the surgeon's word for it; ask for | | | | contract, the interest rate, how much your monthly |
| informative brochures, leaflets and websites specific to | | | | payments will be and whether or not you can afford |
| the type of procedure you are considering before you | | | | to make those payments each month. |
| make such an important decision. If your surgeon is | | | | 9. What kind of anesthesia is required for the |
| reputable and honest, he will appreciate the fact that | | | | procedure? |
| you need more information to determine if the surgery | | | | Determine if the procedure will be performed under a |
| is something you want to have done. | | | | local or regional anesthetic and the risks involved. Ask |
| 4. What are the risks involved? | | | | if there are any sedatives or other medications that |
| Your surgeon should be able to tell you all of the risks | | | | you will be required to take prior to or after the |
| involved with the type of procedure you're having | | | | procedure. |
| done. These risks should include what could happen | | | | 10. What are my alternatives? |
| during and after the surgery. Ask how common the | | | | Not everyone is a good candidate for cosmetic |
| complications are, and if complications do occur, how | | | | surgery, and depending on your medical history, you |
| they will, or can, be treated. | | | | may need to consider an alternative. Your surgeon will |
| 5. Ask for referrals | | | | be able to provide you with some effective |
| Similar to asking for references during a job interview | | | | alternatives, or he may refer you to another physician |
| process, you should know what past patients have | | | | who will be able to best fit your needs. |
| experienced with the results of the surgery, or the | | | | |