What to know before choosing surgery - Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What to know before choosing surgery

Before your surgery some things need to be completely clear in your mind to avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of possible complications:

FEES AND INSURANCE

Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery generally are paid prior to surgery. Costs vary widely and depend on the complexity of the operation, where the surgery takes place and which anesthetic is administered.

As a rule, cosmetic plastic surgery is considered "elective surgery" and is not covered by most insurance plans. Some operations that have a significant functional aspect - such as breast reduction, if the weight of your breasts causes pain or interferes with normal activities - may be considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic. Check with your plastic surgeon, who may recommend that your insurance company be contacted before surgery to determine whether coverage is available.

Never choose a doctor solely on the basis of lower cost, you should entrust your face or body to the qualified plastic surgeon with whom you feel most comfortable.

SURGICAL FACILITIES

Cosmetic plastic surgery is safely performed in an accredited office-based surgery facility or free-standing ambulatory surgery facility, or it may be performed in the hospital. If your surgery will be performed outside of the hospital, be sure that your doctor has privileges to perform the same procedure in an accredited hospital. (Not valid for every country).

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Cosmetic plastic surgery, like all surgery, has risks. Plastic surgeons perform thousands of successful operations each week, but as with any type of surgery, a patient can have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic or be affected by postoperative complications. These problems can occur even when the surgeon has performed the operation with the utmost skill. Fully informed patient consent is essential to any medical or surgical treatment.

RECOVERING FROM YOUR SURGERY

For most cosmetic plastic surgical procedures, you will need to restrict your normal activities for a time following surgery. It takes time, as well, for the visible signs of healing to subside. Plan your work and social activities to allow sufficient time for recovery.

More Tips
Check	Description
Certification and Experience	Don't feel shy to ask your surgeon about his or her experience and certifications. To talk with other patients could be also useful for you. You can also check with plastic surgery associations of the country to see if the surgeon is lecensed to perform the procedure that you want.
Hospital Privileges	In some countries, regardless of where the surgery is going to be performed, the surgeon should have privileges to perform the procedure in an acute care hospital.
Surgical Facility Accreditation	Facilities should be licenced by a recognized accrediting body or state licensed.
Details of your Surgery	To be discussed before surgery: Your complete medical history including past and current medications Surgical benefits Risks Alternatives Total cost including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility and other Surgeon's policy on revisionary procedures Post surgical care and typical timeline for resuming work/social activities.