Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions you may want to ask
during the interview:
We have provided some general guidelines for
possible answers but you should always listen to
the surgeon’s answers regarding the specific
questions and procedures.
Q. What surgical procedure is best for me?
What are the benefits?
A. The answer will vary based on the
particular specialty, training, procedure and
comfort level of the surgeon and the
expectations you have. Be sure that they match
as closely as possible for the best outcome. You
want a compassionate, dedicated professional,
Board Certified in Plastic Surgery in good
standing who specializes in the procedure you
want done and who does a lot of them with good
outcomes. Again assess the benefits to you
whether it be temporary versus long term,
economic, less risky, etc.
Q. What are the potential risks associated
with this surgery?
A. There are always risks with any surgical
procedure. Find out what they might be, how
often they occur, and how problems will be
handled if they do happen. In general the risks
are due to anesthesia, tissue and organ damage,
and infection. If the doctor does not openly
discuss the risks or says that there are no
risks, then you might want to seek another
doctor. Be sure to always assess the benefits of
the surgery versus the risks. If the risks are
greater than the contemplated benefits you might
want to reconsider the surgery.
Q. What is my risk for infection? How can I
be sure that my surgeon and clinical staff are
taking precise measures to reduce my risk of
infection?
A. Professional cosmetic facilities
invariably schedule pre-operation appointments
with patients 1-2 weeks prior to their
surgeries. This is the time to air your concerns
and discuss the sterilization practices used
throughout the clinic and on various medical
instruments. Ask your surgeon if he or she uses
disposable needles (cannulas) versus the
reusable stainless steel models, which might
have a greater risk of cross-contamination.
Discuss your surgery, method of anesthesia and
postoperative recovery
Q. Do I need to fulfill any medical tests
before undergoing surgery?
A. For more invasive procedures such as
face-lifts, breast reconstruction or liposuction
of the abdomen, you may be asked to obtain an
EKG to check for irregularities of the heart
rhythm. You may also be asked to get a chest
X-ray if you have a history of respiratory
disease. .Blood and urine tests may also be
required to determine if you have kidney, liver
or electrolyte disorders or are anemic or suffer
from internal infections that could delay your
surgery.
Q. What do I do if I am on blood thinner?
A. Some people have medical conditions which
require them to be on medication daily such as
Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix. Be sure to tell
your surgeon about this. He or she may require
you to stop prior to surgery or, if this is not
feasible, certain precautions may be initiated.
Q. Are there any other pieces of my medical
history that would be important to bring up?
A. Yes. Be sure to discuss any allergies you
may have to medications, particularly
antibiotics and what the side effects were. Do
you have any allergies to anesthetics, iodine or
surgical tape? Do you smoke, drink excessively
or take recreational drugs? Do you have any
heart, lung, liver, kidney or metabolic disease
such as diabetes or thyroid disease? You may be
asked to control your blood sugars or high blood
pressure prior to surgery. Do you have any
history of psychiatric disease which would
impair your judgment to make rational decisions?
Do you have any history of blood clots or
clotting disorders?
Q. Is it OK to consume alcoholic beverages in
the week leading up to my surgery?
A. The rule of thumb is to restrict alcohol
consumption to one glass of beer or wine per
day. Drinking larger volumes, or distilled
liquors such as gin, vodka, whiskey, and
bourbon, can impede the liver’s ability to
produce enzymes that your body needs for blood
clotting.
Q. What dietary changes, if any, should I
make in the weeks leading up to my surgery?
A. Many surgeons recommend drinking at least
64 ounces of water per day so that you are fully
hydrated before entering into surgery. And to
minimize bloating, you should eat more fruits
and vegetables, and less pasta, legumes, bread
and foods that are high in refined sugar. Also,
do not let more than five hours pass during your
waking time without consuming a snack or meal.
Q. How far in advance should I stop coloring
my hair if I’m having a face lift or other
facial procedures?
A. In procedures involving the throat, face
or ears, most physicians allow patients to color
their hair a few days before their surgeries.
Keep in mind, however, that you will be asked to
refrain from using hair-coloring products until
four weeks after your surgery. Also, do not wear
any type of makeup the day of your surgery. And
men should arrive with their necks and faces
clean-shaven.
Q. What is the expected recovery time period
for this surgery?
A. Various surgeries have different
post-operative restrictions, procedures and time
periods. Be sure you know what these are before
undertaking the surgery.
Q. How much will the surgery cost?
A. Since cosmetic surgery is not covered by
insurance, payment is often required in advance.
Costs include the surgeon’s fees, fees for the
surgical facility and anesthesia, as well as
preoperative consultation and blood work,
medications, and surgical garments. You may also
want private-duty nursing immediately following
the procedure.
A small percentage of cases may require surgical
revisions to achieve the desired performance or
results. Ask what costs you will be responsible
for if this is required.
Click Here For
Recommendations
|
