The Best Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
Why the Right Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Can Change Everything
Knowing the right questions to ask your plastic surgeon before you commit to a procedure can make all the difference in your outcome and your peace of mind. Here are the most important ones to cover at your consultation:
- Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)?
- How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
- What are the risks and complications, and how are they handled?
- Where will the surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited?
- Who will administer my anesthesia, and what are their qualifications?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What results can I realistically expect, and can I see before-and-after photos?
- What does recovery look like, and what support will I need?
- How many follow-up visits will I need, and who do I contact with concerns?
- What are the total costs, and what financing options are available?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. Yet many patients walk into their first consultation without a clear plan, and walk out wishing they had asked more. A consultation is not just a formality. It is your chance to evaluate the surgeon just as much as they evaluate you.
I’m Dr. Josh Waltzman, MD, MBA, a board-certified plastic surgeon trained at the University of Rochester and the Cleveland Clinic, and I’ve guided hundreds of patients through the exact questions to ask your plastic surgeon process to help them feel confident before moving forward. In the sections below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to ask to make a fully informed decision.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon About Credentials
When you begin your aesthetic journey, the very first step is verifying your surgeon’s credentials. This is the foundation of your entire experience.
The single most important question you must ask is: “Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)?”
It is a common misconception that any doctor performing cosmetic procedures is a plastic surgeon. In reality, any licensed medical doctor can legally perform cosmetic procedures, regardless of their specialized training. Some practitioners may hold certifications from unrecognized boards or use misleading titles like “cosmetic surgeon.”
True board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard. To achieve this milestone, a surgeon must complete at least 6 to 8 years of rigorous surgical training after medical school. They must also pass comprehensive written and oral examinations and maintain ongoing continuing education standards.
When you ask about credentials, you should also inquire if they are an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Membership in the ASPS indicates that the surgeon adheres to a strict code of ethics and regularly participates in advanced medical education. For more details on what to look for, you can review this checklist of Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon | Patient Safety | ASPS.
Another vital question to ask is: “Do you have hospital privileges to perform this specific procedure?”
Even if your surgery is scheduled to take place in a private surgical suite, hospital privileges are a key indicator of peer-reviewed competency. Local hospitals perform exhaustive background checks and credentialing before granting a surgeon permission to operate within their walls. If a surgeon does not have privileges at a local hospital in Southern California or the surrounding LA county area, it is a significant point to consider.
Questions to Ask About the Surgical Plan and Facility
Your physical comfort and peace of mind depend heavily on where your surgery takes place and who is monitoring you while you sleep.
Always ask: “Where will the surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited?”
If your procedure is not being performed in a hospital, it should take place in an accredited office-based surgical facility or an ambulatory surgery center. Look for accreditations from respected national organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or state licensing. These accreditations guarantee that the facility meets strict standards for equipment, sterilization, and emergency preparedness.
Next, you need to ask about the anesthesia team: “Who will administer my anesthesia, and what are their qualifications?”
Your surgeon should focus entirely on your surgical procedure. A separate, dedicated professional must monitor your vital signs and administer your anesthesia. This professional should be a board-certified anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
To help you understand your options, here is a comparison of the primary types of anesthesia used during aesthetic procedures:
| Anesthesia Type | How It Works | Consciousness Level | Breathing Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Anesthesia | A combination of intravenous medications and inhaled gases that put you into a deep sleep. | Completely unconscious | Assisted breathing tube or airway device |
| MAC Sedation (Monitored Anesthesia Care) | Intravenous sedatives that keep you relaxed and pain-free, often called “twilight sleep.” | Sleep-like state, but easily rousable | You breathe independently |
Finally, ask the surgeon: “What protocols are in place should an emergency occur?” A qualified, prepared team will have a clear, immediate plan for transferring you to a local hospital if unexpected medical needs arise.
Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon About the Procedure
Once you have established the surgeon’s credentials and the facility’s standards, it is time to discuss the details of your actual surgery.
First, ask: “How many times have you performed this specific procedure?”
Surgical skill is refined through repetition and experience. You want a surgeon who performs your desired procedure regularly, not just once or twice a year. High volume means the surgeon has honed their technique, understands how to customize the procedure for different body types, and knows how to prevent potential complications.
At The Waltzman Institute, we believe in using the most advanced, modern techniques to optimize your results. Dr. Josh Waltzman focuses on staying at the forefront of advanced plastic surgery techniques like Preserve by Motiva and ELIXIR MD™, resulting in fewer scars, a faster recovery, and more natural-looking results.
During your conversation, ask: “Am I a good candidate for this procedure, and what technique will you use?”
A great surgeon will evaluate your unique anatomy, skin elasticity, and goals to determine if the surgery is right for you. They will explain why a specific approach is best suited for your body. For instance, if you are planning a breast enhancement, you will want to ask highly specific questions about implant placement and sizing. You can read more about this in our guide on Questions You Should Ask Before Breast Augmentation.
Similarly, if you are looking to contour your midsection, you should ask about target areas and skin retraction. Review our comprehensive Question Checklist for Your Liposuction Consultation to help guide your discussion.
Do not shy away from asking: “What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure, and how are they handled?”
Every surgery carries some level of risk. An ethical, transparent surgeon will walk you through potential complications openly and explain exactly how they manage them. Research shows that detailed, honest discussions about surgical risks are associated with higher patient satisfaction and fewer post-operative concerns.
Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon About Recovery and Costs
Understanding the logistical and financial aspects of your surgery ahead of time prevents unnecessary stress during your healing process.
Ask your surgeon: “What does the recovery timeline look like, and what support will I need?”
Recovery varies significantly depending on the procedure. For example, a major body contouring procedure may require you to avoid lifting anything over ten pounds for several weeks, while a facial procedure might have a quicker physical recovery but require more downtime for swelling to resolve. You will need to know if you require a dedicated caregiver to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours, and when you can safely return to work, driving, and exercise.
You should also ask: “How many follow-up visits will be required, and who do I contact if I have concerns after hours?”
A typical post-operative schedule involves visits at one day, one week, one month, three months, six months, and annually. Ensure that the practice provides a direct line of communication to the clinical team, rather than a generic answering service, so you can easily reach someone if you have questions during your recovery.
Finally, discuss the financial aspects: “What are the total, all-inclusive costs of my surgery, and what financing options are available?”
A professional surgical quote should be fully transparent. It must include the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, anesthesia fees, implant or device costs, post-operative garments, and any scheduled follow-up care. Most practices require an initial down payment to secure your surgical date, with the remaining balance due prior to the surgery. To help manage the investment, ask about reputable medical financing options such as CareCredit or Prosper Healthcare Lending. You can find more helpful advice on planning your consult budget in this guide on 10 Questions to Ask During Your Plastic Surgery Consultation.
Preparing for Your Consultation
A successful consultation is a two-way conversation. To get the most out of your time with a surgeon, it helps to prepare before you walk through the door.
Start by writing down your goals, your medical history, and any medications or supplements you take. Bringing a physical list of your questions ensures you will not forget to ask anything important when you are in the office.
We highly recommend consulting with two to three board-certified plastic surgeons before making your final decision. This allows you to compare their surgical philosophies, communication styles, and office environments to find the perfect fit for you.
During your consultation, ask to see a comprehensive gallery of before-and-after photos. Look for patients who share your similar pre-surgery anatomy, body type, or facial structure. This will give you a realistic expectation of what can be achieved. For more expert advice on how to make the most of your appointment, check out The 6 Best Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon, Per Experts | Marie Claire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery Consultations
How do I verify if a surgeon is board-certified?
You can easily verify a surgeon’s board certification online. Visit the official American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) website and use their “Find a Surgeon” tool. You can also use the Certification Matters website, which is run by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), to confirm that your surgeon holds active, valid credentials in plastic surgery.
What should be included in a comprehensive surgical quote?
A comprehensive surgical quote should be completely transparent and leave no room for surprise bills. It should include the surgeon’s professional fee, the operating room or facility fee, the anesthesia provider’s fee, the cost of any implants or surgical devices, post-operative compression garments, and all scheduled post-op follow-up visits.
What happens if I am unhappy with my surgical results?
During your consultation, ask the surgeon about their specific revision policy. While the goal is always to achieve your desired outcome the first time, minor touch-ups are occasionally needed. A reputable surgeon will explain how secondary procedures are handled, including any potential fees for the facility or anesthesia, before you schedule your initial surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure is a deeply personal decision. By asking the right questions to ask your plastic surgeon, you can build a relationship based on trust, transparency, and clear expectations.
At The Waltzman Institute in Long Beach, CA, Dr. Josh Waltzman and our dedicated team are committed to providing you with natural-looking results in a warm, welcoming environment. By utilizing advanced, state-of-the-art techniques like Preserve by Motiva and ELIXIR MD™, we focus on minimizing scarring, accelerating your recovery, and helping you feel like the best version of yourself.
If you are ready to take the next step in your aesthetic journey with a team that values your goals, we invite you to Schedule a consultation with us today.
