You’ve performed your research and want to have plastic surgery. So, what should you do next? Talk to your board certified plastic surgeon in Las Vegas.
Just as you don’t purchase an SUV without taking it on the road, you shouldn’t select your surgeon and procedure without reviewing your options. The initial consultation lets you do that. In addition to finding out about your plastic surgery choices, you’ll get a feel for the surgeon and practice.
Once you have selected a surgeon to consult, below are some critical questions to ask about the next steps.
#1: Which Procedures Should I Have?
You could have your heart set on liposuction or a tummy tuck, but expect to have a detailed conversation with your surgeon about what you need.
For example, many patients want a tummy tuck, but they could have too much fat in the midsection at the moment. Liposuction could be a better option.
The choice is yours, but the surgeon will review the big picture with you and offer your best options.
#2 How Often Do You Do This Plastic Surgery Procedure?
It’s logical to choose a plastic surgeon who performs your particular cosmetic procedure often. The more they do liposuction, for example, the more time they’ve had to learn the subtleties that only come with a lot of experience and training.
It is recommended to ask the surgeon how often they do the procedure you want to understand their level of expertise.
#3: Do You Have Before And After Photos?
An experienced plastic surgeon will have plenty of before and after pictures. But if this subject doesn’t come up in your consultation, please ask. It helps you to see the results that many patients have had. And, you’ll better understand the surgeon’s aesthetic sense.
#4: Can I Talk To Previous Patients?
If the surgeon you talk to doesn’t come from a recommendation, ask if you can speak to past patients, ideally, who had the same procedure.
#5: What Does This Procedure Cost?
Most plastic surgeries are elective, so insurance seldom covers them. They also are expensive. However, prices can vary from surgeon to surgeon, as well as how they present the cost.
You can avoid price surprises by getting a breakdown of the pre-op and post-op costs. Foreseeing complications is impossible, but it’s wise to get a sense of extra expenses that could happen.
Note that some procedures, including breast reconstruction and rhinoplasty, could be fully covered by insurance. Talk to your insurance provider for more information.
#6: How Many Pre-Op Appointments Do I Need?
If you want plastic surgery, you may have thought about recovery time, but what about pre-op preparation?
There could be bloodwork, tests, imaging, and more before having your procedure. Ask the surgeon what the timeline is from the moment you book the procedure until the final follow-up appointment.
#7: Is There Anything I Should Do Before The Procedure?
If you’re getting liposuction, you might need to drop some weight first. Or, if you want a facelift, you may need to alter your skincare routine. Talk to your surgeon about anything you need to change before you go under the knife or needle. You’ll understand how your life will be affected by the procedure.
#8: Where Will You Perform The Procedure?
Plastic surgeries can be done in an office, hospital, private surgical centers, or outpatient surgery center, but make sure the facility is accredited. These healthcare facilities are checked for safety by The Joint Commission, and out surgery facilities could be accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC).
If your procedure is outpatient, ask the surgeon if they have hospital privileges in case of serious complications.
#9: Do I Need Anesthesia?
Any procedure that requires anesthesia needs to be taken seriously, whether it’s cosmetic or necessary surgery. So, ask who is handling the anesthesia. It should be an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
For safety, this medical professional needs to administer and monitor for the entire procedure. Plus, knowing the anesthesia that’s needed will tell you if you need a ride home.
#10: What Is The Recovery Process Like?
#10: What Is The Recovery Process Like?There are some minimally invasive cosmetic procedures you can do on a lunch break. But most require at least a few days to recover. If you have a tummy tuck, you could have a recovery period as long as a month.
Talk to your surgeon about how long it will be before you can go back to work, exercise, have sex, etc. Also, ask about swelling, bruising, and pain to expect.
#11: What Happens If I Have Serious Complications?
Most plastic surgeries happen with few significant complications, but even a highly skilled surgeon can have a complicated case. That’s why it’s so essential to ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges if something goes awry.
Please confirm the processes the surgeon has in place. After all, your health and well-being are the priority.
#12: How Long Before I See Results?
Any cosmetic surgeon will tell you that your recovery depends on you. But there are broad timelines for each surgical procedure that you’re considering. Each of them also has a timeline for when you can expect to see the final results.
For instance, most liposuction swelling dissipates after about a month, but it can take several months to see your final shape.
Book Your Las Vegas Plastic Surgery Procedure Today
Once you’re ready to take the next step and book your cosmetic surgery consultation, there’s no turning back. The results you’ve dreamed of are within your grasp. Stop delaying, and set up a Las Vegas plastic surgery appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason today!
You won’t regret your decision!
References
Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety?sub=Questions+to+Ask+Your+Plastic+Surgeon