Every success story relating to plastic surgery is due to a consultation, a one-on-one conversation with your plastic surgeon of choice. Patients who ask a lot of questions, and aim to get the most out of their consultation, tend to often have feelings of satisfaction and confidence about the particular surgical or cosmetic procedure they’ve decided upon. Getting plastic surgery is often done for people who have deformities, or want to change their appearance or features on their body to look more aesthetically pleasing. Plastic surgery is also common for those who have had cancer and need reconstruction done after a mastectomy, and to restore confidence and self-esteem.

It’s a good idea to go to your first consultation with your plastic surgeon with questions in hand. Your consultation is the time to get to know your surgeon, and most importantly, how they can benefit you and your life. Not only do you want to ask questions about the procedure, you can also ask to see before and after photos, to see if people who have done your desired procedure have had a successful result and experience. During your consultation, study the surgeon, and inquire about getting your desired results. This will hopefully give you a good feel for the surgeon’s level of caring and expertise.

It is important to note, that during your plastic surgery consultation there are no wrong or stupid questions to ask. Undergoing a procedure always has its risks, and this is your life. Feeling good in your own skin is important for a variety of reasons, including confidence and self-esteem. Your consultation is a test for both you and your surgeon, as your safety and appearance are essentially in this other person’s hands. There are some key questions that you should include on your list when meeting with potential surgeons. This helps ensure you don’t forget to ask anything, and you feel informed and comfortable about your upcoming procedure. These include:

1. Are you board certified?

The trust between you and your plastic surgeon is vital. Ask about your doctor’s experience, especially with the procedure you are considering. Ask about your doctor’s certifications. It is absolutely vital that your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and can speak to his or her training.

2. Are you easy to get a hold of after surgery if I have questions or concerns?

It is important that the plastic surgeon that you choose is compassionate, confident, and that you are able to reach them anytime when you need them. Make sure they will be available for all your questions, concerns, and needs – before and after surgery. Your plastic surgeon should care about your well-being from start to finish, and you should not settle for anything less.

3. May I see before and after photos?

Before and after photos are a good way to see what has been done before, and the skill of the surgeon you are thinking of choosing. Bringing in your own before and after photos is a plus, as the plastic surgeon will get a good idea of the type of results you are looking to achieve.

4. How often have you done this procedure?

You will want to know if your plastic surgeon of choice is skilled in the procedure you’re considering. This will help you feel confident that you’ve chosen the right surgeon. Ask how often they have done the procedure, and look at testimonials from previous patients to see what other people are saying. If there are some negative reviews, this may not be the surgeon for you, but still have a consultation and gauge for yourself. At the end of the day, everyone is different, and experiences too.

5. How and where will my procedure be performed?

You should ask and want to know where your surgery will take place. Will it be in the doctor’s office, certified surgery center, or a local hospital? Will your doctor have the best instruments and staff as well as access to emergency medical attention? You deserve the highest standard of safety and technical expertise, as the patient. Along with your physician’s outstanding credentials and experience, you want to know your outpatient surgical facility is fully accredited.

In addition, ask your doctor who they will use for anesthesia. To further ensure the highest standard of safety for your procedure, find out if the people providing your anesthesia are properly credentialed and supervised by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Your anesthesiologist plays a big role in ensuring a successful and pain-free surgery.

6. What can I expect from my recovery after surgery?

Post-surgery, you need to understand the details of the recovery process to decide whether this is the right time for you to have a cosmetic procedure. Ask the surgeon how much time you can expect to take away from your normal activities, including work, childcare, and exercise. Before you schedule surgery, you need to be sure you can handle being somewhat “out of commission” for a few days or weeks, depending on how complex a procedure you are considering. Make sure also that they will be there for you and your needs, as recovery is a huge part of the process, and is the determinant factor of the type of outcome you will experience.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The more you know, the happier you will be. It is important to note however, that plastic surgery is not the answer for everyone. There are reasons for everything, and it can help improve self-esteem and boost someone’s self-confidence. However, those who have underlying psychological issues should get help. The majority of these patients with depression and anxiety who decide to go under the knife in order to solve problems, found that their issues hadn’t been resolved, and in many cases actually worsened. Consult first with a board-certified plastic surgeon before making any decisions.

For state-of-the-art technology, compassionate care, and natural results in cosmetic and plastic surgery, call 732-780-9191 in Colts Neck, New Jersey or 732-458-7400 for Brick, New Jersey. You can also request an appointment online for your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Iorio.