Preparing for a facial plastic surgery consultation comes down to questions and documents. Each one is a prevention step that can lower the chance of a misunderstanding that later leads to a correction. Start with these and add your own.
Before you go
- Write down your goals in plain words.
- Collect photos of yourself that show what you like and what you want changed.
- List your medicines, past surgeries, and health conditions.
- Bring a friend or family member if you can, so there is a second person to remember the answers.
Questions about the surgeon
- What training and experience do you have with this exact procedure?
- Is it possible to see before-after photos of patients who had the same procedure?
- Who will be in the room during the operation?
Questions you can act on before surgery
A question is a step you can take before surgery, which a general claim is not. If you want to see a general review of the field first, there is an overview of facial plastic surgery and current developments.
Questions about the plan
- What exactly will be done, and what will not be changed?
- How will I see the planned result before surgery?
- What alternatives were considered, and why was this one chosen?
Questions about the cost
- What is the total cost, including the facility fee and the anesthesia fee?
- What is covered if a correction is needed?
For a look at how one outlet frames the cost of a non-surgical option, see its page on how much a non-surgical nose job costs. It is a different procedure from the one you may be considering, so use it as a prompt for cost questions only.
Questions about recovery and follow-up
- How long should I plan to be away from work and normal activity?
- When are the follow-up visits?
- Who do I call after hours if something concerns me?
- What would a correction involve if I need one?
Reading about related procedures
Read the Cleveland Clinic page on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for the face. Use it to learn the names of procedures so you can ask clearer questions.
Questions about tissue and healing
Some operations involve moving or repairing skin. An online medical encyclopedia has an entry on skin grafts. It is not a facial procedure guide, and you can use it to ask your surgeon whether any part of your plan involves grafting.
Notes during the visit, plan afterward
Print this list, take notes during the visit, and leave with the plan in writing. If an answer is unclear, ask again before you decide. A written plan from the surgeon who has examined you counts for more than any general list, so measure each answer against your own face and health.