Doctor Selection · Plastic Surgeon
What Questions Should I Ask at a Plastic Surgery Consultation?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
The most important questions to ask at a plastic surgery consultation are: Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? How many times have you performed this specific procedure? Can I see before-and-after photos of your own patients for this procedure? Where will surgery be performed and is the facility accredited? What are the most common complications and how do you handle them? These five questions give you the information needed to evaluate a surgeon's qualifications, experience, and approach.
Questions about credentials and experience
Are you ABPS board certified? How many of this specific procedure have you performed in the last year? Do you have subspecialty fellowship training relevant to my procedure (e.g., facial plastic surgery, craniofacial)? What percentage of your practice is this procedure?
Questions about your specific procedure
What technique will you use and why? What results can I realistically expect given my anatomy? What are the limitations — what can and cannot be achieved? How will this procedure change as I continue to age? What are the non-surgical alternatives?
Questions about safety and recovery
Where will surgery be performed — is the facility AAAASF, AAAHC, or state-licensed? Who will administer my anesthesia? What does recovery look like week by week? What are the warning signs of complications and how should I reach you? What happens if I need a revision?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a plastic surgery consultation take?
A thorough initial consultation should take 30-60 minutes. Brief consultations that don't allow time for your history, examination, and questions are a red flag. You should never feel rushed.
Should I bring photos to my consultation?
Yes. Bring reference photos of results you admire — from the surgeon's own portfolio if possible. Also bring photos that show what you want to avoid. Concrete visual references help the surgeon understand your aesthetic goals far better than verbal descriptions alone.
Is it rude to ask about a surgeon's complication rate?
Not at all — it is essential. Experienced surgeons track their outcomes and discuss complications honestly. Evasive answers about complication rates are a significant red flag.
Can I record my consultation?
Ask the surgeon's permission before recording. Most surgeons will allow it. Recording is helpful for reviewing information afterward, as consultations involve a great deal of detail that is difficult to remember completely.
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