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• Research the procedure you are interested in.  There is a vast amount of information available on the web as well as pamphlets free to the public from libraries and doctors' offices, without obligation.
• Speak to others, like you, who have undergone or will undergo the same procedure you are interested in.  Check out our Message Boards related to your interest at: www.yestheyrefake.net/plastic_surgery_message_boards.htm.
• Check around and be aware of all your options.  Research the many techniques, if applicable, regarding your desired procedure(s).  This may take some time, but it is well worth it.
• Don't be afraid to ask around.  Ask around your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurses that you may know or that friends of yours may know.  You're just getting names right now so any suggestions can be welcome.  You may not choose any of these but it's a start.
• Compile a list of possibilities and begin checking them out for disciplinary actions and check for possible negative media coverage through www.google.com  -- they have a great content indexing system.
• You can find out if they have been disciplined by writing your state's medical board 
• Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists by calling 1-800-776-2378 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. to see if they are listed.
• 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).  However, you can contact the Dept. of Insurance for your state (DOI).
• 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. However, for $60. the AMA will provide biographical information on as many as four physicians.  A surgeon doesn't have to be listed with the AMA but it can be helpful in locating info.
  • Write: AMA, Department of Physician Data Services, Dept. P, 515 N. State St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
• EXTRA! Now, in some cases just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit, settling out of court or even had a case dismissed, this doesn't mean that doc is a "bad" one.  Likewise, if a doctor has NOT ever been disciplined, it doesn't mean he is a good one either.  Maybe it just hasn't happened yet.
• Discuss with your spouse or significant other your wishes and concerns; perhaps they, themselves, may have input or concerns you may not have thought of.
• If you view before and after photos (from the web, doctors' offices, etc.) do realize that they can be retouched digitally or "airbrushed" and not to rely solely on them.
• Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a result.
• Compile a list of the medications, if any, that you may be on as a reference. You doctor should instruct you to refrain from ingesting any products containing aspirin.  To view an example aspirin and supplement list, visit http://www.yestheyrefake.net/medication_list.htm 
• If for a Breast Augmentation, buy a bra sized to your post-op desires (or a few) and fill them with cotton balls, Ziploc bags filled with rice or water (double bag the water ones), to get "a feel" for the new size.  You can put the rice inside of a nylon stocking (or pantyhose cut down to size and tied off) for a more accurate and quieter effect.  Plus, the plastic tips of the bag won't be sticking you.  1 cup of raw rice equals approximately 270 to 275 cc.
• Try on clothing with this bra to determine and realize what you can and can not wear for a person of this breast size, there are things I simply can NOT wear any longer.
• Wear this bra (filled) under a Tee shirt (around the house) and see what it feels like to have this size of breasts.  Remember, the real ones will be heavier than if you use cotton or socks.  And also realize, if you become a larger size, the act of stomach sleeping will become just a memory to you (for most of us, anyway).  However, I can do it now if I sleep with my arms bent and under my pillow.
• Take into account what sports or hobbies you like to do.  If you are a ballerina or gymnast I don't think DDD's will fit in to your lifestyle.
• 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.  This is not changing a tire -- this is changing your body.  If he sits there and tells you "oh it is simple and there are no risks" be wary.  KNOW THE RISKS!
• Be wary if he starts pointing out what you didn't come to him to fix.  Many people like small breasts and certainly didn't need to hear they should get implants if they went info for a facelift.  The doctor should be there to make you, the patient, happy -- not make extra money by preying upon your insecurities. Of course if you ask his opinion -- be prepared to get it.
• On the other hand, some surgeons are harshly honest and will point out something that you didn't go in for, but is something he or she thinks will make you happier.  Such as if it's a deficient chin, and not your nose, which is making your nose look larger.  A receding chin can make the nose appear larger than it really is. 
• Don't be intimidated. 
• Trust your instincts as well.  Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something -- there's a reason. 
• Not all surgeons charge for a consultation.  The price of the consultation does not necessarily reflect on the skill of the surgeon.  Prices vary from free to $500.  Find out beforehand what the cost is so there are no surprises.  
• A consultation can last from 10 minutes to 2 and 1/2 hours.  He or she should answer all of your questions.  Also, don't be tricked into the "consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled" bit. Don't book with a surgeon because you feel pressured about getting your consult fee refunded. 

What To Bring To Your Consult:

• Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon.
• Bring your list of medications for reference.
• Bring some photos to provide a visualization for the surgeon on the results you desire and DON'T desire.
• If for a Breast Augmentation, bring a bra (and something to fill it; or use filled implants or sizers at the doctor's office) or your "rice boobies" to further help his/her visualization.

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• What made you decide to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
• How long have you been practicing as a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?  If so, How long?
• If not certified by the ABPS, are you a board certified Otolaryngologist trained in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery (if consulting for facial work)?
• What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice cosmetic plastic surgery?
• Have you ever been disciplined or had your license suspended by state medical board?
• Do you carry malpractice insurance?
• 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?
• What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
• How many (surgery you are interested in) have you performed?
• How many of these procedures do you perform on average, annually?
• Will I have a certified anesthesiologist?
• How many revisions, on average, do you have to perform?
• How many are these of your own work?
• 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 risks, complications and contraindications for this particular procedure?
• What side effects are possible with this particular surgery?
• Are there other techniques, newer ones perhaps, that I am not aware of?
• Do you have a video tape available of (surgery interested in) that I may check out?
• Will there be much pain?
• Will there be much bruising or swelling?
• What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?
• What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
• Do you perform your surgeries with the patient under General, Light Sleep Sedation or local/regional anesthetic only?  Why?
• I have heard that general anesthesia makes the patient sick to their stomach, what can you do to lessen its effect?
• 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)
• Are there any hidden costs that I should know about?  For lab work, post-operative check-ups, additional medications, compression garments or surgical attire?
• Can I view your Before & After photos; do you have any photos of consecutive cases -- or follow ups several years post-operatively?
• May I speak with any of your patients who have had this particular procedure?
• When should I expect to look normal again?
• How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
• I have heard Arnica montana helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Is this true? Do you recommend it? What about the topical gel?
• What about Bromelain or drinking pineapple juice and Vitamin C tablets?  Anything else?
• Will I have scarring?  If so, how bad will it be?
• Do you recommend silicone gel sheeting or use steri-strips for flattening of scars? 
• Must I abide by any special diet, both pre-operatively and post-operatively?
• I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.), will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia?  To view an example aspirin and supplement list, visit http://www.yestheyrefake.net/medication_list.htm 
• What would you do if I were to choose to undergo the surgery and I had a complication?
• Do you believe my expectations can be met?
• 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?
• If I need anything after-hours, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
• When will I be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports?
• If my results are not what I wanted or if there is a complication, what is your policy on revisions?
• What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded?

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• How long have you been performing breast augmentation?
• What breast size would you recommend for my body frame and what key factors help you decide this?
• How many cc do you think I'll need to achieve this size?
• What breast implant manufacturer do you prefer and why? 
• Which do you prefer, saline-filled or silicone-filled; which is your filler of choice and why?
• Do you offer silicone filled or cohesive implants?  Do I meet the criteria?
• Do you overfill saline implants to help with rippling? If yes, by how much usually?
• How long will my breast implants last?
• Can you explain the implant standard warranties and extended warranties to me?
• Which implant do you suggest for my case, round or anatomical?
• Do you prefer textured implants or smooth surfaced implants?
• Do you offer high or low profile implants?
• If I choose to have lower than 300cc or higher than 900cc, can you accommodate my wishes?
• What techniques/incision locations do you offer and which do you prefer and why?
• Which would be best for my case? 
• Do you offer any endoscopic techniques such as trans-axillary (under the arm) and transumbilical (TUBA, through the navel)
• Which placement would be best for me, over or under the pectoral muscle?  What about full sub-muscular coverage using the pectoralis majora, the serratus and the rectus abdominus fascia?
• What are the risks, complications and contraindications of breast augmentation with breast implants?
• For your use: [did you receive an informed consent]
• I have heard of patients having a problem called "bottoming out."  What is this and how can it be avoided?  If this happens, what can be done about it?
• What about the complication -- symmastia? (or synmastia, breadloafing, uni-boob, etc.)
• How long will it take for the implants to settle?
• Will there be a lot of swelling and bruising?
• I have heard that the areolae (darker fleshy disc around the nipples) get larger or stretched out over time and distorted.  What can be done about this?
• Will I still have sensitivity in my breasts post-operatively?  Will I have increased or decreased sensitivity of the nipples?
• What is capsular contracture, why and how often does this happen? What can be done if it does happen?
• How will I be able to know if a deflation has occurred?  Will it be noticeable?  Is it dangerous?  What are my options should this occur?
• Will it be difficult to detect breast cancer once I get breast implants?  
• What about Mammograms?  Do you recommend sonograms or MRI's instead?
• Will I be taught a quadrant massage technique to keep the 'pockets' surrounding the implants open?  I hear that this will prohibit capsular contracture.  What about compression exercises?
• Have you performed a breast augmentation on anyone of your staff?  May I speak to her?
• May I view your before and after photos?  Do you have any consecutive photo collections or several post-operative follow up shots of the same patient?
• Can I go braless after?  Should I?
• Will your staff teach me how to find a good-fitting bra postoperatively?
• How much do you charge for this surgery?
• Of I have any complications, what is covered and what more will I have to pay to remedy this?
• Are there any additional fees I need to know about?  Garments?  Lab fees, meds?