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
  1. How long have you been practicing as a plastic surgeon?
    ___________________________________
  2. What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice plastic surgery?
    ___________________________________
  3. Are you board certified and by what medical board? If so, how long have you been certified?
    ___________________________________
  4. If you are not board certified, why not?
    ___________________________________
  5. Have you ever been disciplined by the state medical board? If so, why?
    ___________________________________
  6. Have you ever had any medical malpractice suits that ended in the patient's favor? If so, how many?
    ___________________________________
  7. Do you currently carry medical malpractice insurance? If not, why not?
    ___________________________________
  8. 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?
    ___________________________________
  9. Do you have hospital privileges? At which hospitals? If not, did you lose those privileges?
    ___________________________________
  10. What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
    ___________________________________
  11. How many abdominoplasties have you performed?
    ___________________________________
  12. How many abdominoplasties do you perform yearly?
    ___________________________________
  13. How many revisions of your own work, do you have to perform, and how often?
    ___________________________________
  14. May I speak with any of your patients who have had abdominoplasty by you?
    ___________________________________
  15. Can I see before-and-after photos or your patients?
    ___________________________________
  16. How extensive will my scars be and where will they be located?
    ___________________________________
  17. Do you have a videotape or DVD available of an abdominoplasty procedure that I may watch?
    ___________________________________
  18. Do you believe my goals can be met?
    ___________________________________
  19. Would there be any reason I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?
    ___________________________________
  20. How long will the surgery last and how long will I be under anesthesia?
    ___________________________________
  21. What are the complications for abdominoplasty?
    ___________________________________
  22. What kind of anesthesia do you use for abdominoplasty? Why?
    ___________________________________
  23. I have heard that general anesthesia can some make patients sick to their stomach. What can you do to lessen its effect?
    ___________________________________
  24. Who will administer my anesthesia?
    ___________________________________
  25. What would you do if I were to have a complication?
    ___________________________________
  26. What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
    ___________________________________
  27. What tips do you have for me to ease any discomfort and pain?
    ___________________________________
  28. Must I abide by any special diet, preoperatively and postoperatively?
    ___________________________________
  29. 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?
    ___________________________________
  30. 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?
    ___________________________________
  31. If I need anything after normal office hours postoperatively, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
    ___________________________________
  32. If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
    ___________________________________
  33. If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?
    ___________________________________
  34. How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
    ___________________________________
  35. When should I expect to look "normal" again?
    ___________________________________
  36. How long after will I be able to walk, exercise, run, or participate in contact sports?
    ___________________________________
  37. When will my sutures (stitches) be taken out?
    ___________________________________
  38. Will I have surgical drains?
    ___________________________________
  39. Do you recommend the use of scar gels, silicone sheeting, or other remedies?
    ___________________________________
  40. 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?
    ___________________________________
  41. How much will my surgery cost, total?
    ___________________________________
  42. Are there any hidden costs that I should know about, such as for lab work, postoperative check-ups, additional medications, and postoperative garments?
    ___________________________________
  43. Do you offer financing? Do you expect full payment up front? Can I pay in installments?
    ___________________________________
  44. What if I change my mind and back out or have to cancel the surgery for some other reason, will my money be refunded?
    ___________________________________
  45. Typically, how long do the results of an abdominoplasty last?
    ___________________________________