Questions For Your Surgeon

Of course you are not expected to ask all of these questions but you are entitled to if you want to.  If a surgeon decides he doesn't have time to answer all of these questions, then you don't have time to hand over several thousand dollars, do you?  Don't forget, YOU are in charge.

Surgeon: ______________________________  Date: ___________  Time: _____ am/pm
phone: ___________________   address: _____________________________________
website: ______________________________ referrer: __________________________
Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery:  yes | no
Certified by American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:  yes | no
Other: _________________________________________________________________
Rating (circle one)

• Patient referral list available:  yes | no
• bedside manner:  poor  |  fair  |  average  |  above  | average  |  excellent
• communication skills:  poor  |  fair  |  average  |  above  | average  |  excellent
• attitude of staff:  poor  |  fair  |  average  |  above  | average  |  excellent
• appearance of surgeon:  poor  |  fair  |  average  |  above  | average  |  excellent
• office appearance:  poor  |  fair  |  average  |  above  | average  |  excellent
• Questions all answered:  yes | no
• Viewed before & after photos:  yes | no

Overall Rating:  poor  |  fair  |  average  |  above  | average  |  excellent

1. What made you decide to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
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2. How long have you been practicing as a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
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3. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?   If so, How long?
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4. If not certified by the ABPS, are you a board certified Otolaryngologist trained in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery (if consulting for facial work)?
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5. What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice cosmetic plastic surgery?
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6. Have you ever been disciplined or had your license suspended by state medical board?
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7. Do you carry malpractice insurance?  yes  |  no
8. Do you have an onsite accredited Surgery Center?  May I see it?  yes  |  no
9. Do you have hospital privileges, should I choose to undergo my procedure in a hospital?   yes  |  no      If not, did you lose those privileges?  yes  |  no
10. What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
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11. How many (surgery you are interested in) have you performed?  ______
12. How many of these procedures do you perform on average, annually?  _____
13. Will I have a certified anesthesiologist?  yes  |  no
14. How many revisions, on average, do you have to perform?  ______
15. How many are these of your own work?  ______
16. Have you or would you be willing to perform this procedure on a loved one or family member?   yes  |  no
17. Would there be any reason that I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?
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18. What are the risks, complications and contraindications for this particular procedure?
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19. What side effects are possible with this particular surgery?
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20. Are there other techniques, newer ones perhaps, that I am not aware of?
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21. Do you have a video tape available of this surgery that I may check out?  yes  |  no
22. Will there be much pain?  yes  |  no  |  varies
23. Will there be much bruising or swelling?  yes  |  no  |  varies
24. What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?
    ____________________________________________________________________
25. What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
    ____________________________________________________________________
26. Do you perform your surgeries with the patient under General, Light Sleep Sedation or local/regional anesthetic only?  Why?
    ____________________________________________________________________
27. I have heard that general anesthesia makes the patient sick to their stomach, what can you do to lessen its effect?
    ____________________________________________________________________
28. Do you offer financing (if applicable)?   yes  |  no
29. Do you expect full payment up front?  yes  |  no   Can I pay in increments?  yes  |  no
30. Are there any hidden costs that I should know about?  For lab work, post-operative check-ups, additional medications, compression garments or surgical attire?
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31. Can I view your Before & After photos; do you have any photos of consecutive cases -- or follow ups several years post-operatively?  yes  |  no
32. May I speak with any of your patients who have had this particular procedure?  yes  |  no
33. When should I expect to look normal again?
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34. How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
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35. I have heard Arnica montana helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Is this true? Do you recommend it? What about the topical gel?
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36. What about Bromelain or drinking pineapple juice and Vitamin C tablets?  Anything else?
    ____________________________________________________________________
37. Will I have visible scarring?  yes  |  no   If so, how bad will it be?  How long is the scar?
    ____________________________________________________________________
38. Do you recommend silicone gel sheeting or use steri-strips for flattening of scars?
    ____________________________________________________________________
39. Must I abide by any special diet, both pre-operatively and post-operatively?
    ____________________________________________________________________
40. I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.), will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia? To view an example aspirin and supplement list, visit http://www.yestheyrefake.net/medication_list.htm 
    ____________________________________________________________________
41. What would you do if I were to choose to undergo the surgery and I had a complication?
    ____________________________________________________________________
42. Do you believe my expectations can be met?  yes  |  no
43. If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
    ____________________________________________________________________
44. If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?  yes  |   no
45. If I will need sutures (stitches), when will they be taken out?  ____ days
46. If I need anything after-hours, will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
    ____________________________________________________________________
47. When will I be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports? ____ days
48. If my results are not what I wanted or if there is a complication, what is your policy on revisions?
    ____________________________________________________________________
49. What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded?  yes  |  no

Notes:____________________________________________________________________
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