ALBUQUERQUE, NM,Monday, September 17, 2007 - TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON BEFORE SURGERY

A study performed earlier this year showed that although 8 out of 10 cosmetic plastic surgery patients are satisfied with their surgical experience, nearly 40 percent believe they should have been more proactive in learning about potential side effects and complications before surgery. The findings suggested that some additional knowledge about potential side effects and complications may have improved patients’ surgical experience and outcome. Before surgery, 91 percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients said they knew what to expect; however, fewer than half recalled being informed of some common side effects and complications such as bleeding (48 percent), nausea and vomiting (42 percent), or blood clots (34 percent). Patients who experienced a side effect or complication reported being unable to accomplish tasks (35 percent), decreased energy levels (32 percent), and time away from work (27 percent) as negatively impacting their daily life during recovery.
In addition, some cosmetic plastic surgery patients failed to ask questions to help them evaluate whether their doctor was qualified to perform their procedure. Shockingly, nearly one-third (28 percent) of cosmetic plastic surgery patients did not check their doctors’ credentials before surgery. Furthermore, 37 percent did not check if their surgeon was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and 54 percent did not check if their surgeon completed an accredited residency training program in plastic surgery.
When preparing for surgery, patients should get answers to the following 10 questions during their physician consultation and by reading the educational materials provided:
1. What are your credentials and training experience?
2. How many procedures of this type have you performed?
3. Are there alternatives to surgery?
4. Where and how will you perform my procedure?
5. What do I need to do to prepare for surgery?
6. What are the risks involved with my procedure?
7. What type of anesthesia will I need?
8. How can I minimize post-surgical side effects and complications such as nausea, vomiting, pain, infection or blood clots?
9. How will complications be handled?
10. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

Patrick Hudson MD.PA, FACS, is a regional spokesperson for ASPS. He was trained in London, England. He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has practiced in Albuquerque for over 20 years.
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