10 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Cosmetic Surgery

Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a significant decision, and your consultation is one of the most important steps in that process. It's your opportunity to learn not only about the procedure itself, but whether the procedure—and the surgeon—are the right fit for you.

To help you feel prepared and confident walking into your consultation, we've put together ten questions worth bringing with you.

1. Am I a good candidate for this procedure, and is now the right time for me to have it?

A good surgeon will consider your medical history, physical health, goals, expectations, and lifestyle before recommending any procedure. Sometimes the safest and most honest recommendation is to wait, or not to proceed at all.

2. What result is realistically achievable for me?

Ask your surgeon to explain what can and cannot be changed based on your individual anatomy. Before-and-after photographs can be a helpful reference, but it's important to remember that your result will be unique to you.

3. What are the risks and potential complications of this procedure?

Every operation carries some level of risk. Ask specifically about the complications most relevant to your procedure, and what would happen if one occurred.

4. What will recovery look like for me?

Ask about pain, swelling, activity restrictions, driving, exercise, childcare, travel, and when you can reasonably expect to return to work and your normal routine.

5. What can I do before surgery to reduce my risk of complications?

This is a good opportunity to discuss medications, nicotine use, nutrition, weight stability, and any medical conditions or other factors that could affect your recovery.

6. How often do you perform this procedure, and where will my surgery take place?

Understanding your surgeon's experience with the specific procedure—and the setting in which your surgery will take place—can help you make an informed decision about your care.

7. What happens if something doesn't go according to plan?

Ask how complications are managed, who you would contact, where you would be assessed, and whether your surgeon would be personally involved if hospitalization or additional surgery were required.

8. Who will look after me after surgery, and how accessible will my surgeon be?

Make sure you understand the follow-up schedule and who you'll communicate with if a concern arises. It's entirely reasonable to know what postoperative support is available before you commit to surgery.

9. What will this procedure cost—and what additional costs should I anticipate?

Ask about the total expected cost, including surgical fees, anesthesia, facility fees, medications, garments, and follow-up visits. It's also worth asking what could happen financially if you require treatment for a complication or a future revision.

10. If you were in my position, would you have this surgery?

This may be the most revealing question you can ask. You're not asking your surgeon to make the decision for you—you're asking for their honest perspective based on your anatomy, health, goals, and expectations.

A good surgeon should always be comfortable telling you when surgery is not the right choice.

Have questions about a procedure you're considering? Book a consultation with our team to discuss your goals in a relaxed, informative setting.