• 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. However, for $60. the AMA will provide biographical information on as many as four physicians. 
  • 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 what not, doesn't mean that doc is a bad one. People sue for EVERYTHING nowadays and some doctors don't wish to go through the battle. 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.
• 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.
• Be wary if he starts pointing out what you didn't come to him to fix. Many people aren't even aware nor do they mind that "prominent nose or family chin". 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. Sometimes something smaller or an additional surgery will make a difference - such as a chin augmentation with a rhinoplasty.
• That doesn't necessarily mean that you should shy away from constructive criticism either. Such as if you go in for a tiplasty and it is mentioned that you may need a full rhinoplasty.
• 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 consult. The price of the consult does not necessarily reflect on the skill of the surgeon. Prices vary from free to $500. 
• 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 the Links Page for Message Boards, Discussion Rooms and Chat Rooms related to your interest).
• 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. View the Medication & Supplement List.
• 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.

What to Bring to Your Consult:

• Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon (check other websites for other questions I may not have thought of.

• 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.
  

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

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• What made you decide to become a Plastic Surgeon? How long have you been practicing as a plastic surgeon?

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery? If so, How long?

• What, if anything, was your medical specialty before you chose to practice cosmetic plastic surgery?

• Have you ever been disciplined by the board or by the state?

• What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?

• How many [insert procedure here] 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 [insert procedure here]?

• I have heard of patients developing a hematoma, 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?

• Do you have a video tape available of a [insert procedure here] 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 - it makes some people nauseated), what alternative medications do you offer?

• Do you perform your [insert procedure here] surgeries with the patient under General, Light Sleep Sedation or regional/local anesthetic only? 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 & After photos?

• May I speak with any of your patients who have had [insert procedure here] by you?

• How many [insert procedure here] do you perform on average, annually?

• When should I expect to look "normal" again?

• I have heard SinEcch, a pharmaceutical grade derivative of Arnica montana, helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Do you recommend it? What about the topical gels? What about Bromelain or any other homeopathic remedy?

• 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? (if so, doctor must disclose this information)

• Will I have a certified anesthesiologist (especially when going under General)?

• What tips do you have for me to ease some discomfort and pain?

• 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? Please view the Medication & 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?

• 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, post-operative 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 post-operative 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?