If you’re considering cosmetic surgery to get your desired look, you probably already have a specific type of surgery in mind. However, your consultation with your cosmetic surgeon will still involve learning more about the procedure as well as how the surgeon handles the process. This may differ between offices, but you can ask some general questions during your appointment to discover your surgeon’s level of skill, which services will best fit your needs, and how the office handles patient accommodations. Here are five questions that are good starting points to discuss before you commit to surgery.
1. What Are Your Qualifications?
When you visit a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation, the most important question you can ask is what their qualifications are. Ask how often they perform your chosen cosmetic surgery and if they are trained in it specifically to make sure that you’re choosing a knowledgeable surgeon with experience. For example, our surgeon Dr. Bedi is an MD and DDS, holds a cosmetic surgery certificate, is certified in Maxillofacial Surgery, and is highly skilled in many types of procedures.
2. Am I a Good Candidate?
Some people may not be suited to their desired procedure due to certain medical conditions—make sure that your conversation goes over this. Your consultation should involve a discussion of your aesthetic goals and an evaluation of your personal medical history, body composition, and unique needs. Your cosmetic surgeon should advise you and customize your procedure after determining whether you’re an ideal candidate. If you are not a candidate, they should be willing to explore alternative procedures that can help you reach your goals.
3. What Are the Risks and Benefits?
Your cosmetic surgeon should have extensive knowledge of the risks and benefits of every procedure they perform. The risks and benefits will differ depending on the procedure you are interested in, but the surgeon should be able to give you a detailed explanation and make sure you are completely comfortable before moving forward. If they are unable to weigh the pros and cons with you, they may not be experienced enough to support you in your decision and aftercare.
4. Are You Board-Certified?
Ask if your cosmetic surgeon is board certified. Board certification means that the doctor has been recognized for their skill and techniques in their field. For example, Dr. Bedi is triple-board-certified by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and The American Board of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, highlighting his extensive experience in cosmetic surgery.
Additionally, ask about other training the surgeon has received. Dr. Bedi has trained as a general and facial cosmetic surgery fellow at Tulsa Surgical Arts and completed nearly 2,000 major surgical procedures.
5. What Should I Expect During Recovery?
After your consultation, you should receive a treatment plan that fits your aesthetic goals and move forward with scheduling your procedure. However, make sure to ask about any sedation you may need in addition to recovery times, what recovery will entail, and what you can expect as you heal. This is crucial so you can plan around your recovery, ask for assistance driving to and from your surgery if necessary, and be prepared for your return home.
Contact Our Cosmetic Surgeon
Are you considering breast surgery, liposculpture, facial surgery, a Brazilian butt lift, or another type of cosmetic procedure? Triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Manik S. Bedi can help you reach your desired look. We use advanced techniques and top-of-the-line procedures at Tampa Surgical Arts in Odessa, Florida. Reach out to our friendly team today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you with your aesthetic goals.
