How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Book
Quick Answer: When consumers look into cosmetic surgery, the most of their effort focuses on the process: What is it? How long does it take to recover? How much does it cost? Much less effort is spent thinking about the most critical variable of all: Who's holding the tools?
Two patients can have the same operation and experience very different results - in great part due to the skill of the surgeon and the judgment of the surgeon and the quality of the treatment he or she provides. This book provides a clear approach for choosing well and a list of ten questions and warning signs to look for.
Why the surgeon is more important than the surgery
Perhaps what is less well understood is the artistry and judgement which goes into cosmetic surgery; for example, deciding how much to change, and what change to make, so it improves your appearance, yet looks natural on your face or body, and does not look like a stock photograph.
You will also notice that different surgeons do different things often. A surgeon who does the operation you are interested in frequently will generally have developed their technique, understood their potential complications more easily and know more what to expect in terms of results. If you are looking for [rhinoplasty [URL]] or liposuction, find someone who does it all the time.
The 10 questions to ask
1. What are your skills and training?
Question the surgeon about medical degrees, what area of surgery they specialise in, and if they have had further training in aesthetic, reconstructive or plastic surgery. Check they are registered with the relevant medical council and are members of professional organisations. Qualifications are the absolute minimum. They don't necessarily mean a good surgeon but a non-specific answer should ring alarm bells.
2. How often do you perform this specific procedure?
Compare "I do cosmetic surgery" to "I do this operation all the time" ask him or her how many times they've done the operation you want done, and how many they've done in a typical month or year.
3. Can I see before-and-after photos of real patients?
Seek consistency, not just a few eye-catching examples. Ensure that the photos were taken from the same angles, with similar lighting, and that the patient has a similar body type/facial shape to yours. Confirm that the patient is one of the surgeon's own.
4. What outcome can I expect?
A competent surgeon gives you the answer to your individual anatomy, not a straightforward yes to whatever you request. If something sounds "just right," or a surgeon cannot elaborate on what is and is not feasible, this should set alarm bells ringing. Good surgeons are comfortable with hearing "no," or "a smaller adjustment will be more attractive.
5. What are the risk and possible complications?
All operations have risks. Reliable surgeon will talk openly about them and will include the chances of them happening, and how they'll be managed. If risk is dismissed as "nothing to worry about" then there should be cause for concern.
6. Where the surgery is going to take place and who will be doing it?
The surgeon is just one part of the picture. Ask questions about the place, anaesthetist, backup & emergency support and recovery. Good quality health care requires an entire team and environment. It does not just rest on the shoulders of your surgeon.
7. What is inclusive in the price quoted?
Request a detailed list: cost of the surgeon, anaesthetist, operating theatre, medication, dressings or splints, post-op consultations and what occurs if you require a touch-up. Price transparency is a key indicator of a reputable practice and is one of the key factors in [a recent piece about what "drives [costs in cosmetic surgery [URL. The most inexpensive quote isn't well worth the damage if it's going to cost you to get it afterwards.
8. What does the recovery and follow-up plan look like?
A good outcome is depends on good post care. Find out how many follow up visits you will have, how to contact the team if you have worries once you are home and what limitations on activity you will have. Any practice that seems to go quiet after surgery isn't one to trust.
9. What if I'm not satisfied or there's a problem?
Ask about the policy on revisions and on how complications are handled. You want a confident, unshaken response, not a defensive or unsure one.
10. Is this the procedure for me?
This one is the most eye-opening. Surgeons who have true concern for the outcomes may tell you "no" to a procedure, "yes" but for a different procedure, or to "wait and see". If someone says yes to everything - that is a red flag.
Red flags to look out for
- Pressure sales: "this deal is for today only", "ring this number now" or "are you going to take it today"?
- Assured outcomes: surgery is never completely predictable and no ethical surgeon can guarantee a result.
- No examination consultation: what you're recommended is not tailored if an assessment is not done of your body.
- Unclear credentials or unwillingness to share them.
- Over dependence on filtered or edited photographs rather than regular standard clinical pictures.
- Vague answers about risks, costs or aftercare.
- No clear plan for complications or emergencies.
- Don't rely on social media alone
Social media can be a good place to begin but it prioritises style over substance. A number of followers doesn't equal a skilled surgeon and a short video doesn't tell you what the results will look like in a year. Use social media to narrow down your list, then check credentials, ask the questions above and get the surgeon to see you. Some of the myths that people believe online are just plain wrong – you can see our post on [cosmetic surgery myths here [URL]].
Get a second opinion
Getting second opinions from more than one surgeon for a significant operation can be reasonable and prudent. Seeing how another surgeon offers an assessment, discusses risks, and describes a plan allows you to see who is giving you the truth. A good surgeon will have no issues with this.
Trust your own read of the consultation
Beyond credentials, pay attention to how the consultation feels:
- Did you feel listened to, or rushed?
- Were your questions answered clearly?
- Was the surgeon clear in his or her explanations?
- Did you experience pressure or room to think?
You can rely on comfort. You will be in good hands with the team before, during and after surgery.
A quick checklist to take with you
Make sure you are ready to say yes to the following:
- I know the surgeon's qualifications and registration.
- I've observed actual before-and-after results as they pertain to my case.
- I know the risks, I know the recovery and I know what is realistic.
- It's transparent, I know the price - itemised, I know what's included.
- I know where the operation will take place and who will be part of the team.
- I know who to ask for if there's something I don't understand or if I'm worried about myself or someone else.
- I felt respected, informed and unpressured.
Selecting a Surgeon at TRUE Artis
Ask us all of these questions at your consultation. At TRUE Artis, your consultation is centered on your goals and results, as well as your anatomy. We want to review your goals and provide you with a reality check and the entire plan for your enhancement plan, including cost and how to care for your results, prior to making a decision.
You can schedule a meeting with us if you need to discuss a procedure you are thinking about.
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