Look at before and after photos of the surgeon's results.
Seein before and after photos of the surgeon's previous patients who underwent your contemplated procedure may greatly facilitate your decision-making process; note that all results are not the same and many factors determine the final result of any cosmetic procedure. Looking at photos together with the surgeon can provide a valuable perspective on his or her work and an opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve. Find out if you are in agreement regarding what constitute a "good result" and whether your respective ideas and goals are consistent.
Discuss the various options regarding the manner in which to achieve your desired outcome.
Often there may be several techniques available to achieve the desired enhancement in your appearance. Your surgeon should discuss the various options, what each option can achieve, recovery time for each option and his or her corresponding recommendations.
Find out the anesthetic options for your contemplated procedure and who will administer the anesthetic.
Depending on the procedure, there may be multiple options regarding anesthesia. Discuss the options with your potential surgeon. Ask your surgeon the pros and cons of each. Ask whether the anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist and ask abou the specific training and experience. The operating surgeon in cases of deep intravenous sedation or general anesthesia hould not be the one administering the anesthesia.
Make sure you are comfortable and have a good rapport with the surgeon
Is he or she responsive to your questions? Does he or she welcome your research into his or her credentials and history? A competent, reputable cosmetic surgeon should invite questions and seek to have a well-informed, well-researched patient. No question should go unanswered. If you feel the surgeon is not adequately addressing your concerns, you should move to another surgeon.
If your surgery will be performed in a surgical facility, ask if the facility is accredited.
Cosmetic surgery is performed in various facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers and office settings. An accredited surgical facility must meet certain minimum standards to obtain and maintain its accreditation. Discuss with your potential surgeon where he or she will perform the contemplated procedure(s) and whether the facility is accredited.
You should feel comfortable with the office staff.
You should never feel uncomfortable about asking questions or providing your ideas and input in discussion with a potential surgeon and with his or her staff. Are they responsive to your questions? Does the staff seem concerned and responsive to your needs? Will you feel at ease contacting the office following surgery with any questions or concerns? You must be comfortable with the surgeon as well as the office staff as they will be an integral part of your cosmetic surgery experience.