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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What questions should I ask a plastic surgeon when considering an operation?

    Related Topic
    Plastic Surgery
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    Thanks

    Dr Anh Nguyen

    Plastic Surgeon

    Dr Anh Nguyen (MBBS (Hons) PGradDipSurgAnat FRACS (Plast)) is a highly qualified, Australian-trained and registered Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon based in Perth, WA. She … View Profile

    Ask as many questions as you can think of! The more questions the better….

    Here are some important questions to ask…

    What is the surgeon's qualifications? Are they a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons? Are they a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons?

    How much experience do they have performing this procedure? What complications have they had?

    What is involved in the surgery? What are the risks and potential complications?

    Where is the surgery performed? Is it performed under general or local anaesthesia or under sedation?

    What can I expect after surgery - with regards to pain, nausea, vomiting, time in hospital, time off work, time off sporting/leisure activities, time off driving etc?

    What happens if there is a complication after surgery? Who can I contact?

    Are there previous patients I can contact for testimonials?

    Are there before and after pictures?

    Can I come back if I have more questions?

    Do I need to stop any medications before surgery?

    Essentially ask anything that is relevant to your situation and would be critical in your decision making.

     For example, if you are not accepting of a long scar, you need to ask the surgeon where the scar will be, how long it will be and if there is any chance it could become prominent and obvious because if there is any risk of that occurring, you probably would not be aggreeable to undergoing surgery. But if you do not ask, the surgeon will find it difficult to understand what is important to you.

    The key is COMMUNICATION - keep the line of communication open between yourself and the surgeon

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