Are you considering a Newport Beach tummy tuck or neck lift? These procedures can be life-changing in a good way – if you choose the right surgeon for the job.
Before you commit to a neck lift surgeon in Newport Beach, here is a list of questions to pose to your potential provider:
First Things First
Before you commit to surgery with any provider, it is important to learn a little about them. Feeling comfortable and confident with your choice of provider can put your mind at ease and make the entire process of your procedure more pleasant.
Ask about your potential provider’s board certification. Learn where they have hospital privileges. Look into recommendations and ratings and have a conversation with them before moving forward. Trust your gut. A good provider will always be happy to answer the following questions – and any others you might have!
Would You Recommend This Procedure for Me?
Every cosmetic procedure is right for someone. But not every cosmetic surgery is right for you! Your provider should prioritize your needs and aesthetic goals, while also providing their expert opinion. Ask whether the procedure is the best choice for you and whether there might be an alternative that your surgeon recommends over it.
Can I See Previous Patients’ Before and After Photos?
One of the best ways to know whether a cosmetic procedure will give you the results you are hoping for is to look at real patients who have had the procedure. Likewise, the best way to evaluate a provider is to browse a gallery of their real work. You can do both by asking your provider for patient before and after photos.
Additionally, ask about patient reviews and contact information. While not all providers will offer the latter, getting in touch with previous patients is the best way to know what to expect from your potential provider. Their previous patients can show you what their results look like and offer insight into the experience of having surgery with that provider. Nothing else will give you the same level of confidence in and comfort with your surgeon!
How Much Does This Surgery Cost?
Budget is a concern for anyone. Given that cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by health insurance, patients must cover these expenses entirely out of pocket. Knowing how much the procedure costs – including pre-operative visits, surgery expenses, and post-operative care – can help make budgeting for the surgery easier.
Some surgeons offer payment plans. Be sure to ask about this when you discuss surgical costs with your provider.
What Should I Do Before My Procedure?
You might need several pre-operative visits with your surgeon and their team to prepare for your procedure. You may also need to prepare for your surgery by making lifestyle changes.
Some of the lifestyle changes common for cosmetic surgery patients include quitting smoking, changing or stopping your skincare routine, or losing weight. This depends on what type of procedure you will be having, so be sure to consult your surgeon about what your pre-operative preparation should include.
What Does This Procedure Entail?
Understanding the surgery, you are considering is crucial to both your pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery. Your surgeon should be happy to explain the entire surgery to you, including what you will experience while awake and what they will do while you sleep.
In most cases, you will be anesthetized, your surgeon will create an incision, and fatty tissues will be removed or reshaped while skin will be tightened. Whether muscles and other tissues will be moved or reshaped depends on what procedure you are having. The more invasive your procedure is, the longer and more complex it will be. Your surgeon should give you any details you ask for and be willing to address all your questions and concerns.
Some important things to consider asking:
- Where will this procedure be conducted? Will you be admitted to a local hospital, will you need to travel to a surgical center, or will your doctor perform the procedure in their office?
- Will you need anesthesia for this surgery? If so, will you be put to sleep (given general anesthesia) or will you receive local anesthesia?
- What is your doctor’s plan for an emergency? While uncommon, complications during surgery can result in emergencies that must be addressed immediately. Knowing what will happen in this circumstance can help you feel more comfortable before going under the knife.
What Should I Know About Post-Op Recovery?
Will you be kept in the hospital after your surgery? If so, how long will you need to stay? Once you go home, what limitations will be placed on your activity? What supplies will you need to care for yourself – or will you need a caregiver?
These questions can help you prepare for the days and weeks after your surgery. For some procedures, you can return to your usual activities within hours or days. For others, you might need to take things easy for a few weeks while you heal. Talk to your doctor about what to expect after your procedure so you can be prepared for a smooth recovery.