Opting for plastic surgery is a big decision and investment, so it is important to ask your plastic surgeon the right questions at the consult. While some questions revolve around their area of expertise and training, others touch on what to expect before and after the surgery in terms of recovery time and results. Asking these questions ahead of time can make you feel more secure in your decision to move forward with the surgery, and they can save you time and money if you decide this surgeon, or surgery, is not right for you. Here are some of the top questions we recommend you ask and answers that relate to our practice at Cape and Islands Plastic Surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for this Procedure?
You and your plastic surgeon need to clarify this upfront to manage your expectations. Any good and conscionable plastic surgeon will deter you from opting for a procedure that will not yield positive, demonstrative results. For example, with a Tummy Tuck, only certain, more fit individuals with less abdominal fat will want to get the mini-tummy tuck to achieve the best results. Your plastic surgeon will examine you during your consultation to determine if you are a good match for the chosen surgery.
Are you Board Certified?
Determine if your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This will ensure your surgeon specializes and has extensive training in plastic surgery. The ABPS is also the only board that requires 6-9 years of training dedicated to plastic surgery.
Both Dr. Michael Loffredo and Dr. Seth Jones at Cape and Islands Plastic Surgery are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Do you have hospital operating privileges and perform surgeries in an accredited ambulatory facility?
It is essential to know you will be safe in the instance of a medical emergency. Accredited ambulatory facilities have the staff, training and equipment necessary to respond to emergencies. Similarly, it is more difficult for plastic surgeons to have hospital operating privileges, as opposed to performing operations in an office setting. These privileges are granted to surgeons based on rigorous credentialing by their peers.
Both Dr. Michael Loffredo and Dr. Seth Jones at Cape and Islands Plastic Surgery operate at Cape Cod Hospital, an accredited ambulatory facility.
May I see some before and after photographs of this procedure?
All cosmetic surgeons should have before and after photographs of patients. Ask to see ones of your elected procedure, in particular, and make sure that you approve of the results. Not all surgeons have the same set of standards. Be careful to examine the photos and make sure that the results are not affected by factors like lighting.
What will my recovery be like and how long will it take?
Ask your plastic surgeon what you can expect to feel during recovery, so you are not alarmed if you feel any pain. Also, find out the estimated recovery time, so you can plan accordingly to take the right amount of time off from work and family responsibilities.
Recoveries and recovery time really depend on the procedure. Some procedures have little to no recovery time, and they are typically outpatient cosmetic procedures. Others require an overnight stay and can take up to two weeks for recovery. Make sure to find out this information so you can make arrangements.
What are the risks and complications involved?
Ask about the risks and potential complications of your surgical procedure and do some research. Make sure you are aware of the risks as well as the benefits.
Ask for feedback from others, such as patients, physicians, and RealSelf reviews
It is important to talk with others who have been operated on by your plastic surgeon and to hear from real patients about their experiences. RealSelf has real patient reviews, and our doctors at Cape and Islands Plastic Surgery are RealSelf verified, meaning they meet the high standards of trust and transparency, including board certifications, medical licensing, patient satisfaction ratings, on-site engagement, and commitment to responsive service. Be wary of just googling reviews; they are not always truthful or accurate and can be misleading.
