The Top 5 Questions every Patient should ask their Surgeon
Plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision. Patients deserve to feel confident, informed, and safe before committing to any procedure. As a surgeon, part of your responsibility is ensuring patients understand every aspect of their journey, from candidacy to recovery. One way to achieve this is by proactively sharing the right questions patients should be asking.
Here are the top five questions every patient should ask their potential plastic surgeon.
Am I the right candidate for this procedure?
Not every procedure is suitable for every patient. Encourage patients to ask about their individual suitability based on health, anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Surgeons should honestly assess whether the procedure is safe and appropriate.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Every surgery carries risks. Patients should understand both common and rare complications, how likely they are, and how they are managed. Transparent discussions about risk help build trust and realistic expectations.
What results can I realistically expect?
Patients should see before-and-after photos of similar cases and understand what is achievable. Surgeons must communicate clearly about what is realistic, avoiding over-promising outcomes.
Am I comfortable with this surgeon’s experience, approach, and style?
Patients need confidence in their surgeon’s expertise, training, and aesthetic approach. Sharing credentials, case experience, and your philosophy of natural, safe results helps patients feel secure in their decision.
What is the recovery process, and what if something goes wrong?
Understanding post-operative care, timelines, restrictions, and follow-up plans is essential. Patients should also know the contingency plan if complications occur or if adjustments are needed.
How Surgeons Can Use This
Provide it directly to patients Include this list in consultation packs, pre-consultation forms, or emails before their appointment.
Film a short educational video Walk through each question on camera. This not only educates patients but also demonstrates your professionalism and patient-first approach.
Incorporate into patient education programs Use these questions in seminars, webinars, or digital resources to empower patients and reduce unnecessary consultation time.
Educating patients with these questions ensures consultations are more productive, patients are better prepared, and the outcomes, both medical and experiential are safer and more satisfying.
Encourage your patients to come prepared with these questions. If you’d like help creating patient education materials or videos tailored for your practice, I can help you build a strategy that enhances safety, satisfaction, and alignment with your clinic values.