Questions to Ask at a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A practical list of questions for a first consultation, from the surgeon's training to the recovery plan and the costs.
A consultation is your chance to decide whether this surgeon and this plan are right for you. Take a list, take a friend if you can, and do not feel pressured to book the same day. Consider seeing more than one surgeon.
About the surgeon
- Which board certified you, in which specialty? (Then verify it yourself with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.)
- Where did you train, and how long have you been in practice?
- How often do you perform this procedure, and how many in the past year?
- Do you have privileges at a local hospital for this procedure?
About the procedure
- What are my options, including non-surgical ones? What do you recommend and why?
- What results are realistic for my body? Can I see photos of patients like me?
- What are the risks and the most common complications, and how often do they happen in your practice?
- Will I need additional procedures later?
About the facility and anesthesia
- Where will the procedure be done? Is the facility accredited or licensed?
- Who gives the anesthesia and what is that person's training?
- What is your plan if there is an emergency during or after surgery?
About recovery
- How long will I be out of work or away from normal activity?
- What help will I need at home, and for how long?
- What pain control will I have, and what are your policies on opioid prescriptions?
- Who do I call after hours, and who will see me if you are away?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
About costs
- What is the total price, with the surgeon's, facility and anesthesia fees, implants, garments and medications listed?
- What is the policy if I need a revision, and who pays for the facility and anesthesia in that case?
- What deposit is required, and what is refundable if I change my mind?
- Do you offer financing, and what are its terms?
Your own health
Bring a list of your medications and supplements, your medical history and past surgeries. Tell the surgeon about smoking, since nicotine can affect healing, and about blood-thinning medication and other conditions. Ask your primary care doctor whether any pre-surgical tests are needed. Surgeons who ask about your health history in detail are doing what they should.
What to notice
Notice whether the surgeon listens to what you want, whether the explanation is clear and whether the surgeon is willing to say that a procedure is not right for you. Be cautious if a consultation is mostly sales, if the surgeon is dismissive of your questions or if someone other than the surgeon decides what you will have. Take time to decide.
This directory lists registry records and does not rate or recommend any provider. The listing shows the specialty a provider registered with NPPES, which is not board certification.
Bring documents and a second person
Take photos of the areas of concern if you have them, any records from past surgery and the list of your medications. A friend or family member can take notes and ask the questions you forget. After the visit, write down what you heard while it is fresh, and compare the answers from each surgeon you see. Differences between surgeons in what they recommend, what they will charge and where they will operate can be informative; ask each one why.
Take your time
A reputable practice will give you time to think and will not penalize you for getting a second opinion. If you are told that a price is only good today, treat it as a warning. The surgery will still be available next week, and you will make a better decision when you are not under pressure.
General information only, current as of the date above. The information on Plastic Surgery Index is not medical advice and does not replace a doctor, nurse, discharge planner or other qualified professional. Do not use it to make decisions about diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Rules and programs change; check the official sources linked in this guide.