The Consultation - Screening a Plastic Surgeon

The Internet is full of information to help you organize your breast lift consultation, so you can get referrals, tips, warnings, support and more just by going online. After researching breast lift surgery and looking at hundreds of before and after photos, you will choose one or more board certified plastic surgeons and schedule consultations with them. It's vital to actually meet your surgeon and visit his or her office.
Included in this section are lists and links to printer-friendly lists of information and questions to ask a plastic surgeon that you may find helpful in preparing for your cosmetic surgery consultation.

What to Do Before Your Consult

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Check around and be aware of all your options. Research the many breast lift techniques. This may take some time, but its time well spent. Don't just go to the first doctor you hear about. Take your time consulting and gaining various opinions.
There is a vast amount of information available on the web as well as free pamphlets available at libraries, patient information organizations and doctors' offices, without obligation.
Don't be afraid to ask around about breast surgeons. Check phonebooks, ask women at your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurses, search online, or join our chat and forum discussions.
Compile a list of possible breast surgeons and begin checking out their licensure, credentials and whether there have been any disciplinary actions. Ask about continued medical education (CME), and check for possible negative media coverage.
You can find out if a surgeon has been disciplined by writing your state medical board.
Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists by calling 1-800-776-2378 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time to verify American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification, or visit the ABMS website at www.abms.org.
Has the doctor's malpractice insurance ever been cancelled? Some state medical boards will tell you when a doctor has had insurance cancelled. (Beware! Most doctors can get insurance no matter how bad their record is).
What does the American Medical Association (AMA) have on file about the doctor? The American Medical Directory, published by the AMA, lists the affiliations of its members. It should be available at your public library. For a $60 fee, the AMA will provide biographical information on as many as four physicians. Note: If your surgeon is not found on the AMA lists, this is not a red mark. Not every doctor belongs to the AMA. Write to the AMA, Department of Physician Data Services, Dept. P, 515 N. State St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
Just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit, does not mean he/she is a bad choice. People sue for everything nowadays and some doctors who don't wish to go through the battle will settle out of court. Likewise, if a doctor has never been disciplined, it does not mean he/she is a good choice either. Maybe it just hasn't happened yet.
Beware of the doctor who fails to listen to your concerns or fails to bring the risks and complications of your chosen procedure to your attention. Know the risks!
Trust your instincts. Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something, there's a reason.
Not all cosmetic surgeons charge for a consultation. The price of the consult does not necessarily reflect on the skill of the surgeon. Consultation fees vary from free to $500.
When you view before and after breast lift photos (from the web, doctors' offices, etc.), realize that they can be retouched or digitally airbrushed and don't rely solely on them. It is very important to view before and after photos to get a sense of the surgeon's style.
Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a final result. But be realistic in your expectations. Your body is made from living tissue, not modeling clay.
Compile a list of the medications, if any, that you are taking. Your doctor should instruct you to refrain from ingesting any products containing aspirin or even herbal products such as Echinacea prior to surgery. View the Medication and Supplement List on our website.
Discuss your wishes and concerns with your spouse or significant other; they may have issues you haven't thought of.
Ask if you can bring a friend or spouse with you to your consultation. Support can be very beneficial during your meeting.

What to Bring to Your Breast Lift Consultation:

Bring a list of questions you may have for the breast surgeon.
Bring your list of medications for reference.
Bring some photos to provide a visual for the surgeon of the results you want and don't want.

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

First, I'd like to say that I am not suggesting that you ask your surgeon every single question listed on these two lists. These lists are provided to give you a general idea of what should be asked by you or told to you by your surgeon. Many of the more general plastic surgery questions will be answered without prompting from you. These lists are more like cue cards, but conveniently all on one sheet. For ease of reference, use a highlighter to mark the number next to the questions you wish to address at your consultation. Good Luck!

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What made you decide to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon? How long have you been practicing as a cosmetic surgeon?
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? If so, for how long?
What was your medical specialty before you chose to practice cosmetic surgery?
Have you ever been disciplined by the board or by the state?
What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
How many breast lifts have you performed?
How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you have to perform?
Have you or would you be willing to perform this procedure on a loved one or family member?
Would there be any reason that I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?
What are the complications for mastopexy?
I have heard of patients developing a hematoma, and this scares me. What is it, how often does it occur and how is it dealt with?
Are there other techniques, newer ones perhaps, that I am not aware of? Periareolar, "scarless" lifts, etc.
Do you have a videotape available of a mastopexy surgery that I may check out?
How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
I am sensitive to Vicodin and Codeine (if applicable). What alternative medications do you offer?
Do you perform your surgeries with the patient under General, Light Sleep Sedation or local anesthetic? Why?
I have heard that general anesthesia makes the patient sick to their stomach. Is this true? What can you do to lessen its effect?
Can I view your before-and-after photos, and not just your "perfect" ones?
May I speak with any of your patients who have had mastopexy?
How many mastopexies do you perform on average, annually?
When should I expect to look "normal" again?
I have heard Arnica montana helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after surgery. Do you recommend it? What about the topical gels? What about Bromelain?
Will I have scarring? If so, how bad will it be?
Do you have an onsite accredited surgery center? May I see it?
Do you have hospital privileges, should I choose to undergo my procedure in a hospital? If not, did you lose those privileges?
Will I have a certified anesthesiologist (especially when going under general anesthesia)?
What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?
Must I abide by any special diet, both preoperatively and postoperatively?
I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.). Will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia? Please view the Medication and Supplement List
What would you do if I were to choose to undergo the surgery and I had a complication?
If my results are not what I wanted, what is your policy on a revision? In other words, what if my lift "fails"?
Do you believe my expectations can be met? What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded?
If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician?
If I will need sutures (stitches), when will they be taken out?
Are there any hidden costs that I should know about? For lab work, postoperative check-ups, additional medications?
If I need anything after-hours, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
What are your policies on postoperative care?
Do you offer financing (if applicable)? Do you expect full payment up front? Can I pay in increments? (or any other financial questions you may have)
How long after will I be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports?
Do you suggest the use of scar gels, silicone sheeting or other remedies?

If you can think of any other questions to ask before surgery or additional information you desire to know, don't hesitate to ask or express your concerns.

Also when preparing for surgery, you can ask your plastic surgeon about other types of procedures, such as eye lift surgery.