Questions everyone should ask before cosmetic surgery

Arriving at a consultation with the right questions helps you make an informed, confident decision about any cosmetic procedure, and the surgeon's answers tell you much about whether to trust them.

Worth asking: Are you board-certified in plastic surgery (or facial plastic surgery), and how often do you perform this specific procedure? Is the surgical facility accredited, and what anesthesia is used and by whom? Can I see before-and-after photos of patients similar to me? What are the realistic risks and complications for me specifically? What does recovery involve, and when will I see final results? What happens if I am unhappy or a complication occurs, what is the revision policy? What is included in the quoted price? Based on my anatomy and goals, what do you actually recommend, and is there a reason not to do this?

The content of the answers matters, and so does the manner: a surgeon who answers patiently, honestly, and without pressure, including being willing to recommend against a procedure or suggest a different approach, is demonstrating the qualities you want. Feeling rushed or sensing reluctance to discuss credentials, risks, or complications is a warning sign. Taking the time to ask these questions, and consulting more than one surgeon when unsure, is consistently associated with safer surgery and a result you remain happy with. The questions are how you turn a significant decision into an informed one.

Related reading: Setting realistic expectations in cosmetic surgery and Understanding recovery after cosmetic surgery.