Curiosity Matters: 5 Crucial Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon
To ensure a regret-proof boob job, do not leave your consultation without getting satisfactory responses to these essential questions to ask a plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ. After all, achieving beautiful cosmetic surgery results begins with a successful consultation.
1. Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
In the United States, part of our terrifying reality is that any licensed physician can legally perform a breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, or any cosmetic procedure — even a doctor who does not have proper training in plastic surgery. However, one of the most effective ways to ensure that a qualified professional will perform your surgery in a safe setting is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Board certification is more than a status obtained through a test — it is a testament to having achieved an extensive level of training, experience, and competency in a certain field. Guerra Plastic Surgery Center’s own Dr. Aldo Guerra, for example, is board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS Member Surgeons meet rigorous standards and have listed the following qualifications on their official website:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS)
- Complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety each year
- Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facilities
- Adheres to a strict Code of Ethics
Therefore, if you book an appointment with a surgeon who is board certified in a related field, such as plastic surgery, make it a point to inquire about the specific training and experience that individual has had.
2. How often do you perform the procedure(s) I’m interested in?
It is common for plastic surgeons to specialize in certain types of procedures, such as breast enhancement in the case of Dr. Guerra. Among the benefits of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs a large percentage of the procedure you want is that they are more likely to have worked with patients with different body types, and they are usually skilled in the most advanced techniques.
Moreover, the more times a plastic surgeon has performed your desired procedure, the more before and after photos they will have for you to review during your one-on-one consultation. Looking through before and after photos can help you determine what results you want or don’t want, as well as get a sense of your potential plastic surgeon’s aesthetic style.
3. What type of anesthesia will I receive and who will provide it?
Plastic surgeons use varying forms and degrees of anesthesia depending on the nature of the procedure and the needs of the patient having it. Regardless, all surgical procedures will require some type of anesthesia.
Both local anesthesia and general anesthesia are statistically safe when a qualified provider performs them. However, no matter what type of anesthesia a plastic surgeon recommends, be sure to ask who will be administering it. This person should be a board certified physician, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or an anesthesiologist. Having a dedicated anesthesiology team makes certain that trained and experienced professionals are monitoring you throughout the procedure, which allows the plastic surgeon to focus on achieving your desired results.
This is another reason to limit your search to board-certified plastic surgeons, because most ASPS certified professionals like only work with licensed MD anesthesiologists in accredited medical facilities.
4. What will my recovery be like?
During your consultation, ask the plastic surgeon how much time you should expect to be away from your regular activities, including work, exercise, and childcare. Before you save the date or mark your calendar for surgery, you need to consider being somewhat “out of commission” for a few days or weeks, depending on the complexity of your desired procedure.
Part of your discussion with a plastic surgeon should include the specific restrictions you can expect. For instance, most patients need to avoid excessive upper arm movements, lifting weights, and even carrying small children for a few weeks after breast surgery. Furthermore, if the temporary physical limitations or amount of time needed to recover makes you anxious, express your feelings and concerns to your surgeon. It could be that moving the surgery to a later date is in your best interest. Your doctor can discuss alternatives and help you determine what’s ideal given your current goals.
5. How much will my procedure cost?
The total cost for any surgical procedure will include anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, operating room expenses, and any materials involved, such as breast implants. Since each patient’s situation is different regardless if they want to undergo the same procedure, the price will depend on each breast augmentation patient’s specific needs and goals. Geography makes a significant difference, too: just as the cost of living in Scottsdale can differ from that in a smaller city, plastic surgery prices can vary. A reputable plastic surgeon will provide you with a detailed and individualized quote, which is usually valid for about a month after your consultation. Here at Guerra Plastic Surgery Center, the estimated cost of our breast augmentation surgery, mommy makeover, tummy tuck, and other procedures are already available for viewing on our website. We can provide you with an exact quote after assessing your unique preferences during your consultation.
While price should factor into your decision to achieve your aesthetic goals, never choose a surgeon based on price alone. Beware of fees that sound too good to be true. Surgeons offering “cheap” plastic surgery costs may cut corners on safety measures, including uncredited surgical facilities and an inadequate support staff. If cost is a concern, instead of bargain shopping that may risk your health and safety, read our expert tips on how to save money for plastic surgery.
Are you ready to start asking those questions? Begin the successful journey toward your new look by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Guerra: an award-winning and board-certified plastic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ. Call us now at 480–970–2580 or contact us online to set an appointment at your earliest convenience.