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