Jul
21
2010
Consultation Checklist
A consultation with a doctor is your best chance to become completely informed about your options. This is true for any kind of medical procedure – it is so important to ask the right questions. Here is a checklist for cosmetic surgery procedures (but most will apply to any type of surgical procedure.)
- Which technique do you recommend to solve my problems?
- What are the risks and advantages of each alternative?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- How long can I expect the effects to last?
- Where will the surgery be done?
- Will my medical history be a factor?
- What should I know about side effects of one procedure vs another?
- Are there medical or lab tests I’ll need to undergo before surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia will you use?
- How long with the surgery take?
- What does the procedure involve? Where will the incisions be made?
- How involved are you in the surgery?
- What is the pain like?
- How long is the recovery? What does it entail?
- Will I need someone to take me home? Someone to stay with me? If so for how long?
- Are there potential reactions or side effects?
- How common are complications?
- When can I return to work? To exercising?
- How soon after the procedure should I come in for a visit? How many post-op visits are there? Are they covered by the initial fee?
- Is there anything I’ll have to do differently after the procedure?
