Planning for plastic surgery can be an exciting and daunting decision. There are so many considerations to make: What type of plastic surgery is ideal for me? How much will it cost? Where and when should I have the procedure? What type of results should I expect? The list goes on and on. Once you have done your research and you have identified an experienced and top-rated surgeon in your city, attending a consultation is the next logical step. This post highlights 8 questions that you should ask during your consult for plastic surgery in Baton Rouge.

Are you board certified?

Before you even figure out the specifics of your plastic surgery treatment, the first step is to confirm that the Baton Rouge plastic surgeon you are working with is board certified. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is an independent organization that certifies plastic surgeons who adhere to strict standards for quality and safety. Some surgeons may retain professional membership with organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), which is an added advantage. It is important to keep in mind – right from the start – that not everyone who claims to be a plastic surgeon has what it takes to get the job done.

Am I a good candidate for this treatment?

Things are not always as they seem. You may find that you are not even a suitable candidate for the cosmetic surgery that you thought you needed. So, the next step is to figure out what specific treatment makes the most sense for you. Your surgeon should be able to listen to your concerns, examine your problem area(s), and review your medical history before recommending the next course of action. In some cases, you may find that various procedure options are available to you and you have to choose the one that is most beneficial.

What is your experience level in this particular treatment?

A plastic surgeon could be very experienced performing breast augmentations but not so seasoned when it comes to arm lifts. You need to know that you are working with a specialist who have adequate experience in the specific plastic surgery that you intend to have. What is their educational background and additional training in this particular area? How many of these procedures have they performed over the last 2 years? These questions are very important to help you assess specific expertise.

Is your facility accredited?

Depending on the specific procedure, your surgery may be performed at the plastic surgeon’s office, a hospital, or any other accredited surgical facility. For the sake of your safety in case of a medical emergency, it is important to ascertain that the surgical center has the staff, training, and equipment necessary to respond. These credentials may be granted by the state or national organizations for accrediting ambulatory facilities.

Can I see before and after photos?

Before and after photos give you a good impression of the kind of work that a specific plastic surgeon performs. So, make sure to see as many of them as possible in the specific procedure that you are looking to have. Pay special attention to ensure that the outcome images are in line with the type of transformation you might wish to have (but keep in mind that we all have different body types and features).

Should I be worried about anything?

Plastic surgery treatments come with their fair share of risks (including bleeding, wound infection, shock, embolism, etc.). Scarring is another surgical side-effect that many people are worried about. It is important to understand all risks that are applicable and steps that will be taken to avert them. This way, you can plan for a safer and better surgical outcome.

How long will recovery take?

• The recovery process following plastic surgery will vary from one procedure to the other. Ask your surgeon what you can expect during recovery. This way, you can plan accordingly to take time off work and have someone help out with the chores. Some procedures (especially non-surgical treatments) may have a short recovery duration spanning a few hours while others may take as much as a few months.

Can I see feedback and testimonials?

Feedback, testimonials, and case studies give you invaluable information regarding the surgeon’s style and work process. They give you important information regarding what some of the surgeon’s past patients are saying. Also, ask to get in touch with some of the surgeon’s past patients so you can learn firsthand about their experiences. What did they like about this particular surgeon? Do they feel that something could have been done better?