What do I need to know? Tips and tricks for acing your plastic surgery consult

Pop quiz! Don't groan. It's only one question: What do you need to know to ace your plastic surgery consultation? Okay, so going to your plastic surgery consultation shouldn't feel like you are prepping for your SATs, but to make the most out of your time with your plastic surgeon, you should be willing to do a little homework and prepare for your initial meeting.

A plastic surgery consultation may be one of your most critical appointments with your surgeon. It is the best time to ask questions, understand what to expect from the procedure and recovery, plus discuss your desired results and aesthetic preferences. Think of a consultation in terms of an interview. You want to ensure you are in good hands and vibe with your chosen surgeon, and they want to take the time to get to know you and what you want to achieve with plastic surgery.

Utilizing a few tips and tricks from professionals can put you in the best position possible to maximize your consultation time and prepare for the plastic surgeon journey ahead.

Plastic surgery consult tips and tricks

The last thing you want to do is make a plastic surgery consultation appointment and then drop the ball right before it. Some plastic surgeons offer free consultations. However, many surgeons charge a fee to set up an initial consultation. Depending on the practice, this fee can sometimes be applied to the cost of a procedure. Fees may also depend on the plastic surgeon's skill level, availability and practice location.

You're prepared to invest your hard-earned money in a consultation, so you should also be willing to invest a little time preparing for your visit to make the most of your and your surgeon's valuable time.

If you've never made a plastic surgery consultation appointment, how do you know where to start? Umbareen Mahmood, MD, recommended starting with the basics. She suggested reading your chosen practitioner's reviews and then scheduling a consultation with a few different surgeons to hear different treatment options and approaches and get a sense of who you want to work with.

But is there a question you should ask first?

"Number one, I always tell people, you want to make sure you look at board certification," said Nneamaka Nwubah, MD, adding that you want a board-certified plastic surgeon, but not board certified in just any area of medicine. Prioritize looking for a surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). While it sounds similar, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not the same credential and is not a board recognized by the ABMS.

ASPS makes finding a board-certified plastic surgeon easy. In order to join ASPS, surgeons must be board certified by the ABPS. You can quickly find board-certified plastic surgeons in your area with the ASPS Find a Surgeon tool.

Dr. Nwubah also suggested reviewing the plastic surgeons' before and after photos and looking for individuals who look similar to you.

"Whether it be the color of the skin, whether it be the body type, whether it be the type of ailment that they're dealing with or their physical concern," said Dr. Nwubah. "Make sure they see themselves at some point." She recommended looking for photos of individuals who resemble you to ensure the surgeon you work with has experience and feels comfortable working with your body type.

What to gather before your initial consultation

The most important items to bring to your plastic surgery consultation are yourself and a positive attitude, but there are other necessities you should take along to make your consultation more productive. Dr. Mahmood recommended that patients bring "inspirational" photographs, which can help a plastic surgeon visualize the aesthetic you are looking for. She said this is especially helpful for breast procedures. Your inspirational photos can even include a photo of your younger self, if you're looking to refresh your face.

You will also need to bring information about your medical history. If you have trouble remembering previous surgery dates, medication lists or allergies, bringing notes or making a list may help.

"Know your complete medical history," said Dr. Mahmood. "Surgeries you've had and dates, medication list, relevant family history, etc."

A plastic surgery consultation is not the time to dress to impress. You want to wear comfortable clothing for your appointment since you'll generally be asked to disrobe and wear a gown for any body procedure consultations.

Finally, take the time to prepare questions you want to ask your plastic surgeon. A surgical consultation shouldn't be intimidating, but some patients may find themselves drawing a blank when they are in the hot seat, so to speak, and talking with a doctor. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to keep your consultation on track and ensure you are getting all the information you need.

Dr. Mahmood also recommended bringing a friend or significant other you trust because they often have questions you may not have considered. They are also a second set of ears to help you remember things said during your consultation.

Questions to ask your plastic surgeon

Never be afraid to ask your plastic surgeon questions! As a patient, you want as much information as possible about your surgeon, their credentials and the procedure you want.

Dr. Mahmood recommended that patients start with questions such as:

• Are you board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
• What is your experience with the procedure of interest? Is this a procedure you perform frequently?
• Can you show me some before and after photos of patients who are similar to me?
• What are your hospital affiliations in the event of an emergency?
• What operating facility do you use? Do you use a board-certified anesthesiologist?
• What does the postoperative course look like? How long will I need to be out of work? What are the activity restrictions?
• What is the procedure if I have an emergency?

Dr. Nwubah also provided some insights on what you need to ask. There's a good trick if you want to ensure your surgeon is certified.

"So, one of the secrets to knowing if someone is certified and what they're doing is to ask them, 'Are you certified to do what you want to do to me at a surgery center at the hospital?' If they are not, that is a red flag," said Dr. Nwubah

Then she suggested some great follow-up questions.

"Ask how long they've been in practice and how comfortable they are with the procedure," said Dr. Nwubah. "I don't feel like how many have you done is really a relevant question because anybody that's done a lot is not going to have a precise number for you if that makes sense."

Instead, she recommended asking, "What in my situation would make me not a candidate for surgery?"

Dr. Nwubah also suggested patients ask, "What happens if I need a revision? What is your revision policy?" She emphasized that plastic surgeons can't promise perfection, but can make themselves available to patients and be there when needed.

"You want to pick a surgeon that's going to be there for you, rain or shine," said Dr. Nwubah. "You think about marriage. We talked about it for better or for worse. You want a surgeon who's going to be there with you for better or for worse, right? Not just do your surgery and go."

She also recommended asking your plastic surgeon about their emergency protocols and at which hospitals they have privileges. This question is key because hospitals are incredibly particular about who they allow to operate in their facilities. They shoulder some liability if something goes wrong or if a surgeon is not properly certified.

There is one last piece of advice from Dr. Mahmood to prepare you for your initial plastic surgery consultation.

"Enjoy yourself," said Dr. Mahmood. "Scheduling a consultation is truly the biggest hurdle and can be very daunting. You already crossed that bridge and now get to meet the person who can help you achieve your aesthetic goals!"

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.