Some people find it difficult to ask a plastic surgeon questions regarding his background and how qualified he may be to perform a procedure
. They also have a difficult time trying to organize their thoughts regarding what they want and need to know about it. It is best to start with getting to know the doctor, personally and professionally, and then asking about the operation itself. The point of this is to see how comfortable the patient is with the professional and the procedure.
Professional Record
It is a good idea to probe the surgeon about his certification. Being board certified is important and is what makes him qualified to perform the task. Some doctors are not qualified to do specific plastic surgery procedures because they do not specialize in these. The patient should go for the certified medical professional who has done several procedures which are the same or similar to the one that the patient wants and who is duly certified to do the exact thing. The patient may also ask the number of times that he has done the exact same procedure as a reference point.
Who and Where
It is a good idea to ask about who will be assisting during the operation. Trained and certified nurses should be there. Even the assistants or nurses who will be taking care of the patient directly after the operation in the recovery room should know what they are doing and should be certified registered nurses. The location of the operation should be a sterile and safe place, preferably in a hospital where any emergency can be readily and immediately addressed. The patient should beware of any plastic surgeon who wishes to do the operation in a different place outside of a hospital or a reputable clinic. While some procedures can be done in an out patient clinic or in the office of the doctor, it is advisable to learn more about the clinic before committing to it.
The Operation
The patient should organize his or her questions about the operation and list them down to avoid forgetting something important. The plastic surgeon should be willing to answer the queries straightforwardly. One important question to ask is what risks are involved in the undertaking. This will give the patient a chance to actually assess the procedure. One can also ask about alternative options which the doctor might recommend. A step by step walk through of the operation will help the client understand it better and weigh the risks. The recovery period should also be included in the questions.