Of course you are not expected to ask all of these questions but you are entitled to if you want to.  If a surgeon decides he doesn't have time to answer all of these questions, then you don't have time to hand over several thousand dollars.   Don't forget, YOU are in charge.

  1. ___ 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.
  2. ___ 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.
  3. ___ 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.
  4. ___ 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.
  5. ___ 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.
  6. ___ You can find out if they have been disciplined by writing your state's medical board; info can be found at: http://www.fsmb.org/members.htm.  This section will load in a new window for your convenience.
  7. ___ 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.
  8. ___ 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).
  9. ___ 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.
  10. ___ 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.
  11. ___ 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.
  12. ___ 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.
  13. ___ Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a result.
  14. ___ 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 
  15. ___ 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.
  16. ___ 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.
  17. ___ 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.
  18. ___ 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.
  19. ___ 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!
  20. ___ 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.
  21. ___ 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. 
  22. ___ Don't be intimidated. 
  23. ___ Trust your instincts as well.  Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something -- there's a reason. 
  24. ___ 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.  
  25. ___ 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:

Notes:
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