The decision to have plastic surgery should not be made lightly. There are many aspects you need to consider before and after your surgery. One of the most important choices you will make is your plastic surgeon.
No matter how many online reviews or recommendations you view, a detailed consultation with any plastic surgeon you are considering is an essential step. This meeting will help you answer any questions as well as understand all the basics of the procedure. Asking the right questions will help you gain confidence in your surgeon and help you make an educated decision.
Important Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
1. Are you board-certified?
This is the first and most important question you should ask. For plastic surgery, not just any doctor will do. You need one who is qualified and board certified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Before the procedure, you will consult with one of our plastic surgeons to discuss your medical history. They will ask you about any current or past medical conditions, as well as any medications you’re taking. They will also inquire about other cosmetic procedures you’ve had done and if you had any reactions afterward. The conversation will then turn to your expectations. The doctor will inspect your skin and determine how to get the best results.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery certification shows that the plastic surgeon is qualified in every aspect of cosmetic surgery and has participated in a 12-month cosmetic surgery training program. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona (PSNA),  Steve Lex, M.D., Jack Quigley, M.D., and Adam Boettcher, M.D. — are board-certified plastic surgeons, and Brian Cripe, M.D. is board-eligible.
2. How often have you done this procedure?
This will help you know how skilled and how much experience your plastic surgeon has at performing your procedure. The higher the number of successful procedures, the more experience the surgeon has, thus increasing the likelihood of a better outcome for you. Having knowledge of your surgeon’s experience will boost your confidence and will hopefully ease any fears you may have. With over 40 years of combined experience, you can trust our surgeons at PSNA. They have performed all of the procedures we offer a multitude of times over the years.
3. What are the risks?
Every surgery comes with risks. Whether it’s CoolSculpting, breast enhancement, tummy tuck, or a face-lift, it’s crucial to understand any complications that may arise from the procedure. Your plastic surgeon should point out all the risks involved and ensure that you understand them. A surgeon who promises you a risk-free procedure is a red flag, as there is no such surgery.
4. Where will the procedure be performed?
It’s vital to know where your surgery will take place. Will it be in the local surgery center, the doctor’s office or a hospital? Your plastic surgeon must factor in the complexity of your surgery and any health issues when deciding the best place to do your procedure.
Drs. Lex, Quigley, Boettcher, and Cripe of PSNA perform all cosmetic surgeries and most reconstructive and hand surgeries at Northern Arizona Surgicenter. Located in Flagstaff, this state-of-the-art facility is staffed by highly experienced RNs who are extremely familiar with all of the procedures performed by our plastic surgeons. This ensures the facility is the most comfortable place for both the patients and surgeons. Northern Arizona Surgicenter is a fully licensed, certified, and accredited ambulatory surgery center, where PSNA surgeons have been performing surgeries since 1996.
5. Will you be using anesthesia?
Most plastic surgery procedures involve anesthesia. Ask your surgeon whether your procedure involves any anesthesia, the type, what the risks are, and who will be administering it. There are different types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, and regional and local anesthesia, and each has various risks.
6. What will the recovery process look like?
Plastic surgery procedures are different on many levels, with some requiring a longer healing process. It’s important to ask what the recovery process will be like to know what to expect so you can plan child care or time off work. Also ask about the restrictions to expect, for example, limits on heavy lifting. Understanding the recovery process will also help you prepare mentally.
7. Can you give me a cost estimate for the procedure?
Although you can Google the rough estimates of how much your procedure will cost, asking for an estimate in writing from your surgeon will help you budget accordingly. Oftentimes with plastic surgeries, there is a lot more to your total cost than just your surgeon’s fee. There are facility fees and anesthesia fees to factor in. Having a breakdown of the total cost will prevent any surprises after the procedure is done.
For patients at PSNA, a detailed written explanation of total fees is provided for all cosmetic surgeries. The out-of-pocket costs will depend on the specifics of the patient’s insurance policy.
Book A Consultation
Plastic surgery involves a lot of choices. Asking questions before the surgery will help you choose the best plastic surgeon. It will also help to clear any doubts and instill confidence when going for your procedure. A good plastic surgeon will be open and happy to answer any and all questions you have.
At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we have been offering a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for over 30 years. Our plastic surgeons are board-certified and have 40+ years of combined experience. We welcome you to visit our office, give us a call at 928-774-2300 or chat with us on our website about these or any other questions you may have. Contact us today!
