The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

continued:

Cosmetic surgery: What to know beforehand

Finding a qualified cosmetic surgeon

If you decide to pursue cosmetic surgery, you'll probably have your choice of cosmetic surgeons. Choose one who specializes in the procedure you'd like to have done and is certified in the specialty by a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Beware of misleading certifications from unrecognized or self-designated boards.

If you'll be having a procedure that requires general anesthesia, be sure that the operating facility has been accredited by a national- or state-recognized accrediting agency, such as The Joint Commission, or is licensed by the state in which the facility is located.

Meeting your surgeon

When you've narrowed your choice of surgeons, schedule a consultation — or multiple consultations with different surgeons. The surgeon will evaluate the part of your body that you want treated, and you'll share your medical history, list any medications you're taking, and discuss your desires and expectations. During the initial consultation, ask the surgeon:

  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
  • Are there treatments other than surgery that might work just as well or better for me?
  • How many times have you done this procedure? What were the results?
  • Can you share before and after photos or diagrams to help me understand the procedure and the expected results?
  • Can the desired effect be accomplished in one procedure, or do you anticipate multiple procedures?
  • What are the surgical options? What are the pros and cons for each?
  • Will the results be permanent?
  • What type of anesthetic will be used? How will it affect me?
  • Will I be hospitalized? If so, for how long?
  • What are the possible complications?
  • How will my progress be monitored after surgery? What follow-up care will I need? How long of a recovery period can I expect?
  • How much will the procedure cost?

The closer you work with your surgeon to establish specific, measurable and achievable goals before surgery, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results.

Remember, though, even if you've done your homework and found a surgeon you like — at a price you can afford — the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery is yours and yours alone. Make sure you're comfortable with the surgeon and committed to your treatment choices.

Previous page
(2 of 2)
References
  1. Choose a surgeon you trust. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Articles-and-Galleries/Patient-and-Consumer-Information/Patient-Safety.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  2. Accredited facilities. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/articles-and-galleries/patient-and-consumer-information/patient-safety.html?sub=Accredited%20facilities. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  3. Your health and safety. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/articles-and-galleries/patient-and-consumer-information/patient-safety.html?sub=Your%20health%20and%20safety. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  4. Important facts about the safety and risks of plastic surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/articles-and-galleries/patient-and-consumer-information/patient-safety.html?sub=Important%20facts%20about%20the%20safety%20and%20risks%20of%20plastic%20surgery. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  5. Frequently asked questions about the AAFPRS. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/faq.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  6. Keyes GR, et al. Analysis of outpatient surgery center safety using an Internet-based quality improvement and peer review program. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2004;113:1760.
  7. Moss TP, et al. Psychological change after aesthetic plastic surgery: A prospective controlled outcome study. Psychology, Health and Medicine. 2009;14:567.
  8.  Chung KC, et al. Plastic Surgery: Indications and Practice. Edinburgh, Scotland: Saunders/Elsevier; 2009:7.
  9. Sykes JM. Managing the psychological aspects of plastic surgery patients. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. 2009;17:321.
  10. Questions to ask my plastic surgeon. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/articles-and-galleries/patient-and-consumer-information/patient-safety.html?sub=Questions%20to%20ask%20my%20plastic%20surgeon. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  11. Cosmetic procedure questions. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/PatientSafetyPreProcedureQuestionnaire.aspx. Accessed Jan. 24, 2013.
  12. Roenigk RK, et al. Roenigk's Dermatologic Surgery: Current Techniques in Procedural Dermatology. New York, N.Y.: Informa Healthcare; 2007:756.
SN00006 March 6, 2013

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger