Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon during Consultation

Written by Dr. Sean Maguire on May 12, 2015

Your plastic surgery consultation is an excellent opportunity to learn about your procedure of choice, the surgeon performing it and what to expect throughout the surgical experience. There is plenty of ground to cover, and Dr. Sean Maguire encourages you to make the most of your time together. Here, he has created a helpful guide of questions to ask during consultation.

Feel free to print it and bring it to your appointment!

Meet the Doctor

The success of your surgery largely depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon in charge. Acquaint yourself with the surgeon, his background and credentials. Note that it is perfectly acceptable to ask for proof of the doctor’s credentials (he will likely have his diploma, board certification and medical license displayed in the office).

Questions to ask:

  • Are you board certified? (Clarify which board – it should be the American Board of Plastic Surgeons)
  • Where did you attend medical school?
  • Where did you complete your residency training (and fellowship, if applicable)?
  • Are you licensed to practice medicine in Kentucky?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • Do you have hospital privileges? Where?
  • Is your surgical facility accredited by a national/state-recognized accrediting agency? Is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?

Set Expectations for the Day of Surgery

You’ve covered the doctor’s credentials, and you’re confident in his qualifications to perform your operation. Now, you want to know more about your procedure of choice, and the day of surgery.

Questions to ask:

  • Is this procedure right for me?
  • How frequently do you perform this procedure?
  • Where will my surgery take place?
  • How should I prepare for my day of surgery?
  • Will anesthesia be used? What are my options?
  • What happens during the operation?
  • How long will the operation last?
  • When will I be released from the hospital/surgical facility?
  • Do you have before and after photos of patients that have had this procedure?
  • Can I read testimonials written by patients that have had this procedure?
  • How do you handle complications?

This is also a good time to discuss procedure-specific issues, such as selecting breast implants, evaluating liposuction techniques or planning your mommy makeover.

Talk about the Post-Op Period

By this point in the conversation, you have a clearer understanding of what to expect on the day of surgery, but you are unclear about the post-op period.

Questions to ask:

  • Should I take time off from work to recover? How long?
  • What are normal side effects?
  • What are signs of a complication?
  • How should I handle post-operative pain/discomfort?
  • How can I speed up my recovery?
  • When will I be able to drive?
  • When will I be able to exercise?
  • When will I be able to socialize?
  • If I am dissatisfied with the surgical outcome, what are my options?

Contact Physician’s Center for Beauty

If you would like to schedule an informational consultation with Dr. Sean Maguire, a board certified plastic surgeon in Louisville, please call Physician’s Center for Beauty at (502) 897-7546 today.

Slider Logo

Specials

Visit Our Online Store

View Online Store

Click Here To Learn More
Slider Logo

Specials

Hop Into Spring With Great Skin

3/1/24 – 3/31/2024

Click Here To Learn More