Plastic Surgery
What Questions Should You Ask a Plastic Surgeon?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
The plastic surgery consultation is your opportunity to evaluate the surgeon's credentials, assess their aesthetic sensibility, understand realistic outcomes, and determine whether their approach aligns with your goals. Preparing specific questions ensures you leave the consultation with the information needed to make an informed decision.
Essential questions to ask
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 patients with similar concerns? What technique will you use and why? Where will surgery be performed — is the facility accredited? Who will be with me during surgery and recovery?
Questions about your specific procedure
What are the realistic results I should expect? What are the most common complications? What would require revision surgery? How will this procedure change in 10 years as I continue to age? Is there a non-surgical alternative that might achieve a similar result?
Questions about recovery
What is the recovery timeline? When can I return to work, exercise, and normal activities? What do complications look like and when should I call the office?
Red flags during consultation
Pressure to decide quickly. Extremely low prices significantly below market rate. Inability to provide before-and-after photos. Discouraging second opinions. Vague answers about risks and complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a plastic surgery consultation take?
A thorough initial consultation should take 30-60 minutes. Brief consultations that do not allow time to review your history and answer questions are a red flag.
Should I get multiple consultations?
Yes. Consulting with at least 2-3 board-certified surgeons gives you comparative information and helps identify the surgeon whose aesthetic philosophy best matches your goals.
How do I know if a surgeon's results match my aesthetic goals?
Study their before-and-after gallery extensively. Look for results in patients with similar starting anatomy to yours. Tell the surgeon specifically what you like and do not like.
Can I ask about the surgeon's complication rate?
Yes — and you should. Experienced surgeons track their outcomes and should be able to discuss their experience with complications honestly. Evasive answers are a red flag.
Get Help Now
Speak with a Haute MD Plastic Surgery physician
Dr. Daniel Careaga
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Coral Gables, FL
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Dr. Alexandra Condé-Green
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boca Raton, FL
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Dr. Samuel Lin
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boston, MA
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