If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, it’s vital to do your homework. Learning as much as possible beforehand will give you more accurate expectations for how your chosen procedure might affect your well-being, and that’s why every successful plastic surgery starts with a comprehensive consultation. This in-person meeting is your opportunity to meet with a plastic surgeon in person and get a feel for their personality, aesthetic philosophy, and professionalism.
There’s no such thing as being overprepared to speak with the doctor who will perform your surgery. To become an informed patient and learn if the procedure you’re considering is right for you, make a list of all your questions and bring it with you to your initial meeting. Though you may have specific things you want to ask based on your goals, here’s a checklist of five must-ask questions for your plastic surgery consultation.
1. Are You Board-Certified?
Earning board certification requires passing a rigorous series of written and oral exams, and is a hallmark of a surgeon’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of medical ethics and patient safety. You may be surprised to learn that there are no laws prohibiting any licensed physician from performing a plastic surgery, even if they have never trained in the discipline. Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon who has received board certification in plastic surgery is one of the most effective ways to help ensure their qualifications.
2. How Often Do You Perform This Procedure?
Plastic surgery is a multifaceted discipline. Because human anatomy is so complex, many plastic surgeons choose subspecialties based on where their talents and interests lie. For instance, if you know you are interested in an eyelid lift, there’s no reason to meet with a plastic surgeon who exclusively performs breast and body improvements. Ask to see before-and-after photos to get a sense of previous patients’ results with your desired surgery.
3. What Type of Anesthesia Will I Receive?
Plastic surgeons use anesthesia to ensure their patients are comfortable during surgery. Dr. Indeyeva will discuss your anesthesia options during your initial consultation to ensure you understand what to expect. Based on factors such as your medical history, Dr. Indeyeva may perform your surgery using only local anesthesia, or in an accredited outpatient surgical facility with conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
4. What Will My Recovery Timeline Be?
Having realistic expectations for your surgery entails making sure you know all the steps to take to ensure a smooth healing process, including how much time to take off work. As part of this conversation, be sure to ask about specific activity restrictions. For example, you will likely need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks after surgery. If you feel nervous about any aspect of the recovery process, be honest. It might be in your best interest to explore alternative options or postpone surgery.
5. How Much Does This Surgery Cost?
Various factors influence the total price tag of plastic surgeries, and you need to understand them before committing to your desired procedure. A reputable plastic surgeon should be willing to provide you with an accurate estimate to give you an idea of how much you’ll be investing. Be sure to ask if any financing options are available to give you the option to pay for your surgery over time.
Start Your Journey to a Better You Today
Procedures like a facelift or rhinoplasty can be transformative when done by a talented, experienced surgeon, giving you renewed self-confidence. Though more than 70 plastic surgeons serve patients in the greater Austin area, Dr. Indeyeva is among the few who specialize solely in facial surgeries. As a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, she takes pride in using her extensive education to provide outstanding results.
To learn more about your possibilities at Facial Plastic Surgery of Austin, contact us anytime by calling our office at (512) 831-5397 or scheduling an appointment online.
