Liposuction Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

First I'd like to say that I am not suggesting asking your surgeon very single question listed on these two lists. These lists are provided to give you a general idea of what should be asked by you or told to you by your surgeon. Many of these questions will be answered without your prompting. These lists are more like queue-cards but conveniently all on one sheet. For ease of reference, print the printer-friendly list and use a highlighter to highlight the number next to the questions you wish to address at your consultation.

However, if a surgeon decides he doesn't have time to answer all of these questions, then you don't have time to hand over several thousand dollars. Don't forget, YOU are in charge..Good Luck!

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General Questions For Your Surgeon

What made you decide to become a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon? How long have you been practicing as a cosmetic surgeon?
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? If so, How long?
What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice cosmetic surgery?
Have you ever been disciplined by the board or by the state?
What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
How many liposuction procedures have you performed?
How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you have to perform?
Have you or would you be willing to perform this procedure on a loved one or family member?
Would there be any reason that I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?
What are the complications for liposuction?
I have heard of patients developing a hematoma, this scares me; what is it, how often does it occur and how is it dealt with?
Are there other techniques, newer ones perhaps, that I am not aware of?
Do you have a video tape available of a liposuction procedure that I may check out?
How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
I am sensitive to Vicodin and Codeine (if applicable - it makes some people nauseated), what alternative medications do you offer?
Do you perform your surgeries with the patient under General, Light Sleep Sedation or local anesthetic? Why?
I have heard that General anesthesia makes the patient sick to their stomach, is this true? What can you do to lessen its effect?
Can I view your Before & After photos, and not just your "perfect" ones?
May I speak with any of your patients who have had liposuction by you?
How many liposuction procedures do you perform on average, monthly or annually?
When should I expect to look "normal" again?
I have heard Arnica montana helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Do you recommend it? What about the topical gels?
Will I have scarring? If so, how bad will it be?
Do you suture your incisions?
If so, when will they be taken out?
Do you have an onsite accredited Surgery Center? May I see it?
Do you have hospital privileges, should I choose to undergo my procedure in a hospital? If not, did you lose those privileges? (if so, doctor must disclose this information)
Will I have a certified anesthesiologist (especially when going under General)?
What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?
Will I have to wear a compression garment?
Must I abide by any special diet, both pre-operatively and post-operatively?
I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.) will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia? Please view the Medication & Supplement List
What would you do if I were to choose to undergo the surgery and I had a complication?
Do you believe my expectations can be met?
What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded?
If my results are not what we agreed upon or I am asymmetrical, what is your policy on a revision?
If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?
Are there any hidden costs that I should know about? For lab work, post-operative check-ups, additional medications?
If I need anything after-hours, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
What are your policies on post-operative care?
Do you offer financing (if applicable)? Do you expect full payment up front? Can I pay in increments? (*or any other financial questions you may have)
How long after will I be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports?