Face lift preparation checklist
Cutting you up is not a minor issue, that’s why it’s only wise to come up with a list of questions you certainly need to ask the surgeon before you could even consider him to operate on you. You have to prepare for a face lift with a checklist, it’s not even a question. Below are just the basic questions you need to ask, but feel free to ask him any of your other special concerns that you think could relate or affect the procedure.
• Do you have a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Don’t just ask whether a surgeon’s board-certified or not. Ask him by which board. If it’s a board other than the ABPS, decline. Only ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors in plastic surgery.
• Where will you perform my surgery?
If the surgeon is operating in an office-based facility, it’s better if it’s accredited. In most states, it’s not necessary to get accreditation for office-based facilities. However, surgeons can voluntarily apply for accreditation. American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities is just one example of an accrediting body. And chances are if the facility is accredited, it means that it has high regards for care and has lived up to strict requirements.
• How many times have you performed this kind of procedure?
If the surgeon has completed some kind of training, ask to see his certificates. Always ask for evidence.
• What kind of risks can be expected from this kind of procedure?
As a patient, it is very important to know what you’re getting yourself into. There are always risks involved in any kind of surgical procedure, and it is always better to know about them and know how your surgeon will handle them, if ever these risks happen.
• How long before I can completely recover?
Most surgeons often have boundaries set on any activity after the operation and the typical recovery time. Make sure you understand and remember these restrictions.
• Do you have any policy about surgical revisions?
If you do not feel that your desired results have been met, or if the case really calls for a revision, it is better to discuss about the cost you may have to take spend for a surgical revision.
• How much will it cost me to have plastic surgery?
Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery is not included in insurance. Some payments may even be required to me made in advance. The cost of the surgery usually covers the fees for the surgeon, the anesthesia used, and the facilities. Additional cost may include private-duty nursing, medications given before the operation, and surgical garments used.
It’s very important to remember to ask these and to really understand everything about the procedure. If you feel you’re not satisfied with the information the surgeon has provided you, don’t hesitate to ask to clarify things more.