Find all kinds of information about Tummy Tucks to make your decision easier.

Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Print Out

Surgeon: ___________ Date: ____________ Time: _______ am/pm
Phone: ____________________

Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________________

Website : _____________ Referred by: ____________
Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery: yes/no
Other board certification:________________________

Rating(circle one)

Patient referral list available: yes | no
Bedside manner: poor | fair | average | above average | excellent
Communication skills: poor | fair | average | above average | excellent
Attitude of staff: poor | fair | average | above average | excellent
Office appearance: poor | fair | average | above average | excellent
Questions all answered: yes | no
Overall Rating: poor | fair | average | above average | excellent

How long have you been practicing as a plastic surgeon?
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What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice plastic surgery?
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Are you board certified and by what medical board? If so, how long have you been certified?
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If you are not board certified, why not?
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Have you ever been disciplined by the state medical board? If so, why?
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Have you ever had any medical malpractice suits that ended in the patient's favor? If so, how many?
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Do you currently carry medical malpractice insurance? If not, why not?
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Where will my surgery be performed? If the surgery will take place in a freestanding surgical center or in the surgeon's office, your operating room accredited? If so, by whom? May I see it?
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Do you have hospital privileges? At which hospitals? If not, did you lose those privileges?
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What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
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How many abdominoplasties have you performed?
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How many abdominoplasties do you perform yearly?
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How many revisions of your own work, do you have to perform, and how often?
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May I speak with any of your patients who have had abdominoplasty by you?
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Can I see before-and-after photos or your patients?
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How extensive will my scars be and where will they be located?
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Do you have a videotape or DVD available of an abdominoplasty procedure that I may watch?
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Do you believe my goals can be met?
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Would there be any reason I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?
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How long will the surgery last and how long will I be under anesthesia?
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What are the complications for abdominoplasty?
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What kind of anesthesia do you use for abdominoplasty? Why?
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I have heard that general anesthesia can some make patients sick to their stomach. What can you do to lessen its effect?
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Who will administer my anesthesia?
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What would you do if I were to have a complication?
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What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
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What tips do you have for me to ease any discomfort and pain?
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Must I abide by any special diet, preoperatively and postoperatively?
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I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc. Fill in the blank with whatever medications you take). Will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia?
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I have heard arnica montana helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Do you recommend it? What about bromelain?
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If I need anything after normal office hours postoperatively, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
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If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
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If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?
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How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
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When should I expect to look "normal" again?
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How long after will I be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports?
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When will my sutures (stitches) be taken out?
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Will I have surgical drains?
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Do you recommend the use of scar gels, silicone sheeting or other remedies?
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If I develop an infection, "dog ears" or abnormal asymmetry, what is your policy on a revision? In other words, who will pay for a second surgery?
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How much will my surgery cost, total?
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Are there any hidden costs that I should know about, such as for lab work, postoperative check-ups, additional medications, and postoperative garments?
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Do you offer financing? Do you expect full payment up front? Can I pay in installments?
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What if I change my mind and back out or have to cancel the surgery for some other reason, will my money be refunded?
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Typically, how long do the results of an abdominoplasty last?
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