subject: Ask Plastic Surgeons Questions First [print this page] Plastic surgeons are board-certified, experienced professionals who should have extensive training in the type of surgeries performed. These professionals often do two types of procedures. First, there are the cosmetic procedures, which are designed to provide improvements to the way a person looks based on their desires. Secondly, there are procedures designed to improve the function of the body or the appearance after a devastating incident. These procedures are call reconstructive. No matter what type of treatment you are after, it is critical to find the right doctor for you.
Specific Experience
The first question to ask plastic surgeons is about the professional's specific skills as they relate to the type of procedure you are hoping to have. For example, if you need to have reconstruction of the ear or face due to burns or other disfigurement, you need this professional to have experience dealing with situations like your own. Ask about other cases like your own. Can you see before and after pictures of work that this individual has performed? You want to ensure he or she is specialized in the area of your needs.
What Are the Realistic Outcomes?
Realistic outcome is a term used to describe not the best-case scenario or the worst. Rather, you want to know what you can expect realistically. This way, you are able to decide to go forward with the procedure or not to do so. Often, women and men need to be blunt about this question. If your doctor states you will look fantastic, that is not enough. You need to know what is going to change, what it is likely to look like and what additional procedure may be necessary (or could be necessary) if the outcome is not ideal. The more you know, the better.
Why This Professional?
Finally, ask why you should go to this professional. Why should you use this doctor? Ask the doctor this question specifically. You want to know why he or she is better than the next person. Learn about why you should trust this professional with your needs. What steps should you take to better understand what this provider can offer to you? Ultimately, you want to see if this doctor can tell you that he or she can provide the very best treatment for your needed available in your area.
The more questions you ask of your plastic surgeons the better. In fact, it can help you to feel better about the decision you have to make about having the procedure or not. It also provides you with more information about the realistic outcome you can expect. Though there is no way to know or guarantee what the outcome will be, there are steps you can take better to understand what you are going through.
