2. Don’t be afraid to ask around. Ask at your salon or gym, ask nurses, search online – ask
your friends – you will be surprised how many have had a cosmetic procedure or know
someone who has had one (or more).

3. Compile a list of doctors and begin checking out their qualifications, especially be
sure that they are currently board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The
front office staff reflects on the doctor’s attitude towards your care. If you call a doctor’s
office they should take the time to adequately and completely answer your concerns – but also
understand that they can only answer those concerns that can be addressed without
examining you.

4. A doctor’s office that fails to listen to your concerns or fails to bring the risks and
complications of your chosen procedure to your attention is not the best choice. KNOW THE
RISKS!

5. Ask your own personal doctor which surgeon he or she would send a family member
to for cosmetic surgery, or who they would select for their own procedure. Ask them about
the work that they have seen and what they think of it.

6. You may find it helpful to speak to others who have undergone the same
procedure you are interested in. Check discussion forums, chat rooms and internet sites.
After the consultation, speak with the references the doctor provided – ASK for references
after your consultation.

7. Be sure to call several offices, and if you decide to pursue a consultation, see more than
one doctor. We encourage our patients to get several opinions – we know from experience
that you will be back to choose us.

8. Make a list of all of your questions and concerns – these should be addressed in detail
during your consultation. Our patients are usually amazed that every question on their list is
answered during our education session – without them even having to ask!

9. Ask to see pre- and post-operative photographs of patients the doctor has
ACTUALLY operated on – not some generic brochure or photographs. You should be able to
view many examples of each procedure – not just one or two. Be sure you are seeing the
actual work of that surgeon.

10. Find out where the doctor had ALL of his or her training. All other factors being
equal, training at a world-renowned institution is something you should look for.

What to Bring to Your Consultation
• Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon.
• Bring a list of medications you take for reference and your Medical History Form…filled out. Have the Doctor’s office fax/send/e-mail you a copy — this will give
you more time to ask questions instead of filling out paperwork.