If you are considering or have even booked a cosmetic surgery, it’s natural to have questions about the procedure and how it all works. We have found that the more patients understand the process, the more relaxed they are when it comes to surgery.
While there is no such thing as a silly question, you might be wondering what questions you should ask your plastic surgeon before your procedure. We’ve taken a closer look at some of the more common ones.
With more than 10 years experience as a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Melbourne, Associate Professor Dean White offers a range of comprehensive plastic surgery procedures to provide each patient with the best treatment for them. Contact our team today for more information.
Questions About Your Plastic Surgeon
To ensure that you’re confident in their skill and abilities, it’s important to understand as much as you can about the surgeon who will be performing your cosmetic procedure.
Some of the questions you may wish to ask include:
- What are your qualifications?
- What sorts of procedures do you regularly perform?
- How many times have you performed this particular procedure, and how often do you perform it?
- Can I see some before and after photos of your work?
- Will anyone help perform my procedure and, if so, what are their qualifications?
- What type of anaesthetic will be used, and who will administer it?
It makes sense that you would want the best possible doctor for the job when it comes to any surgical procedure, so understanding their expertise can help reduce any anxiety and provide you with peace of mind. Many people also experience anxiety when going under anaesthetic, so understanding the different options can help you to mentally prepare.
Questions About Your Procedure
It’s also important that you understand what your chosen procedure involves and the anticipated results. Your surgeon should be able to discuss your expectations with you, as well as any possible side effects or complications.
Some of the questions you may wish to ask include:
- Do you see me as a good candidate for this procedure?
- Where will the procedure be performed, and is that facility accredited for this particular procedure?
- What are the possible risks of this procedure? Are there any risks unique to my health history?
- How long are the results expected to last? Will I require further procedures down the line?
- What can I expect in terms of scarring?
- What if I’m not happy with the results?
Like any other kind of surgery, cosmetic surgery carries serious risks and should be considered in depth by anyone considering it. You need to be aware of all sorts of risks and complications, from an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic to postoperative infections. Consulting with a highly qualified surgeon can help reduce the risk.
Questions About Your Recovery and Aftercare
Finally, it’s also important to understand what sort of aftercare will be required once your surgery is complete, what your recovery will look like, and who you should contact if you have any concerns.
Some of the questions you may wish to ask include:
- What will my recovery look like?
- What sort of care will I require after the procedure, and who will provide it?
- What sort of pain and/or discomfort should I expect, and how will it be managed?
- How long will I need to be off work?
- What sort of activities can I do during recovery, and what sort should I avoid?
- What do I do if something goes wrong? Who should I contact if I have any concerns?
A thorough understanding of the expected recovery process can help you decide whether this procedure is right for you. It will also provide some guidelines for your recovery timeline. Knowing what activities will help or hinder your recovery and what you can do to minimise pain, discomfort, and scarring can give you peace of mind for moving forward.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
As every surgery carries risks, it’s important that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Never be afraid to ask questions and expect your plastic surgeon to answer them in a way you understand. If you are uncomfortable asking your surgeon questions or you’re unsatisfied with their responses, we highly recommend seeking a second opinion.
Have peace of mind that A/Prof Dean White takes the time to explain the complex surgical procedures he performs. During your consultation, he will discuss the pros and cons of your desired procedure, as well as provide information regarding the procedure itself and the associated costs to help you through the decision-making process.
To discuss your desired procedure in more detail, get in touch with our helpful team today to book an appointment.
CALL (03) 9895 7631
