Preparatory Steps before Plastic Surgery
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is a major one and it is natural to feel some anxiety prior to the process. However, you should remember that there are two primary steps that you need to take – the first one involves choosing the correct plastic surgeon while the second deals with asking the right questions. It is easy for any person with a medical degree and a valid license to refer to themselves as a plastic surgeon but this does not mean that they specialize in the field or have in-depth knowledge regarding plastic surgery. It is necessary for you to do some research to ensure that you get the best results.
Finding the Right Surgeon
The best way to check that the doctor you are consulting is really a plastic surgeon or not is to find out whether he or she possesses the necessary experience and certification to be a plastic surgeon. You can find most of these details online or you can directly ask the clinic to show you verification. Unless the surgeon you choose is a member of a reputed board or organization devoted to plastic surgery, you should consider taking your business elsewhere. You should understand that every qualified surgeon in the field of plastic surgery has undergone at least 2 to 3 years of training in the field of cosmetic surgery from an approved medical institution. Plastic surgeons who have received certification from the board are qualified to deal with cosmetic, aesthetic or reconstructive surgery.
Office Visit
As soon as you are done choosing the right surgeon, you should pay a visit to the office of your doctor and the purpose of your visit is to dispel any doubts you may have about the surgery. It is customary for the surgeon to ask you to provide your entire medical history for review. You might be asked a lot of questions to better understand the status of your health and then it is your turn to clear your queries. There are a few standard questions that you need to ask your doctor during your initial plastic surgery consultation.
Important Questions to Ask
Make sure you ask him detailed questions like the regularity with which he/she has performed such a plastic surgery, the location where the surgery will take place, if medical tests must be undergone before or after the surgery and the related costs, the duration of the process, the type of anesthetic used, potential side effects and how long they might last, if you might experience pain and how best to deal with it, the beneficial effects of the treatment procedure, how long before you might resume work, the frequency of check-ups post-surgery, among others.
It is necessary for you to understand that plastic surgery might also be performed by doctor not certified by any board but these doctors usually provide specific surgeries. You must be clear on what would happen if an emergency occurs. Cosmetic surgery is an important elective medical process and so you should carry out in-depth research before going under the knife.