At LPS, we put your safety and well-being as our number one priority, which is why we want to make sure you’re prepared to ask the right questions before your surgery! The amount of “botched” surgeries have increased in recent times and LPS is dedicated to getting it right the first time.
Our very own Dr. Joseph A. Greco III has put together a list of things you should know before the big day to ensure you’re getting the best possible care.
Plus, scroll down below to hear Dr. Greco explain the warning signs that you might be at a chop shop!
Here are the most important questions to ask:
1. “When do I meet my surgeon?”
You should meet your surgeon days before the surgery so that you can discuss the procedure, your healing process with timeframe, and anything that should be done or avoided pre / post operative. You, together, review your medical history, and conditions. If you are doing an enhancement, you have discussed size and proportion. You have a frank discussion about the risks and benefits for your procedure while agreeing on realistic expectations. This time allows the doctor and team to assess, prepare, acquire everything needed to custom make your personalized care plan. This time is for you to discuss with your doctor all relevant concerns and desires for your procedure.
2. “What is your education and board certification?”
Check on your doctor’s education, experience, expertise, and current status within the legitimate board-certified community. Legitimate board certifications assure you that your surgeon has the required skills, training, experience, and education to perform in a safe and ethical practice. This is a must for all surgeons. Make sure that your doctor is qualified and certified.
*Board Certification suggestions are below.
3. “Who else will be in my surgery and for how long?”
This question prevents doctors from moving between simultaneous surgeries. You know that your doctor is there from start to finish. You also learn the names and responsibilities of all trained professionals on your care team.
4.”How many surgeries will you perform on my day of surgery?”
Depending on your surgery’s length, you may be the only surgery for your doctor on your day. If your doctor is involved with more than 5 operations, it may take a toll on the overall attention to detail.
5. “Cleanliness?”
From the moment you enter the office you should feel clean and safe. At Lexington Plastic Surgeons, we hold ourselves to a meticulous standard of cleanliness.
6. “Pricing?”
You should feel comfortable about your doctor and your price.
You need to research pricing as it is as varied as the reasons. Where you live can dramatically change pricing. The doctor’s level of experience and reputation can add dollars and confidence, knowing that you are in the best hands.
An inexperienced doctor’s results can lead to undesired outcomes which can increase costs, add surgeries, add healing time (lost work), add emotional upset, and more. You must feel comfortable with your doctor and the team. This is a time to carefully consider spending because you are buying for the long term – not for the moment.
There are options for financing to help you get the best care.
7. “Insurance?”
Please check with your insurance company before surgery. Many surgeries are not covered, but it does not affect your insurance coverage to ask. Sometimes we are pleasantly surprised.
“There are great surgeons all over the world,” includes Dr. Michael Jones, founder of Lexington Plastic Surgeons, “doing incredible work. We at Lexington Plastic Surgeons, want you to find the doctor who works best for you and these questions may help that happen.”
To check Board Certification – in no particular order:
ABFPRS, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
ASAPS, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
ABOHNS American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
ABPS, the American Board of Plastic Surgeons
ABMS, The American Board of Medical Specialties
ABCS, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
BFPRS, Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
