Undergoing plastic surgery can change your life and self-perception, but only if it’s done safely and by the right specialist. Whether you’re considering a cosmetic surgery or a reconstructive procedure, your outcome will depend heavily on your surgeon’s expertise, communication style, and commitment to patient care. That’s why the consultation is your opportunity to ask critical questions and gather the information you need to feel confident in your decision.
At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, our board-certified surgeons in Williamsburg, VA, are dedicated to educating and empowering you at every stage of your surgical journey. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of the top seven questions you should ask any plastic surgeon before moving forward with treatment.
Are You Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
This should be the first question you ask, ideally even before scheduling your consultation. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) ensures that the physician has completed rigorous training, including a minimum of six years in surgical practice with specific expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery. It also means they uphold high standards in safety and ethics.
Be cautious of vague statements like “board certified” without specific details. Not all board certifications carry the same weight, and some even come from for-profit organizations with less stringent requirements. At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, all of our surgeons are ABPS-certified and have decades of combined experience delivering outstanding care.
What Procedure Do You Think is Best for My Goals?
You might come in with a specific treatment in mind, but a skilled plastic surgeon will always evaluate your needs holistically before making a recommendation. Each person’s anatomy, health history, and aesthetic goals are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely delivers ideal results. Your surgeon should feel confident about steering you away from procedures that don’t serve your best interests and setting clear, realistic expectations.
Ask your surgeon what they would recommend based on your personal goals, lifestyle, and medical background. At PSCHR, our surgeons take time to educate you about your options and explain the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision that fits your vision. Our surgeons are also willing to say no when it’s in your best interests.
What Are the Risks and Complications of This Procedure?
Every surgical procedure carries some level of risk, even in the hands of the most experienced specialists. During your plastic surgery consultation, you should ask about both general surgical risks and those specific to the procedure you’re considering. Don’t forget to ask about the type of anesthesia used, who will administer it, and how your safety will be monitored during the procedure.
The surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads take patient safety seriously. Our surgeons use accredited facilities, work closely with board-certified anesthesiologists, and will be transparent about any potential complications, no matter how rare.
What Will My Recovery Look Like?
Understanding the recovery process is essential for planning your time off work, childcare, travel, and personal responsibilities. Some procedures require only a few days of rest, while others may involve weeks of restricted movement and follow-up care.
Be sure to ask about activity limitations, pain management, follow-up appointments, and what kind of support you’ll need at home. At PSCHR, we provide detailed aftercare instructions and support resources so you feel prepared to recover comfortably at home.
What Will the Total Cost of the Procedure Be?
Plastic surgery is typically an out-of-pocket investment, so it’s important to understand all the associated costs upfront. Request a detailed cost breakdown that includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, facility expenses, and follow-up care. Avoid providers who offer “menu-style” pricing without evaluating your individual needs. That’s often a red flag.
At Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, we tailor each quote to your specific treatment plan and offer multiple financing options through CareCredit, PatientFi, and Allē by Cherry to help make your aesthetic goals more accessible.
What Happens if I’m Not Satisfied With the Outcome?
While experienced surgeons strive to deliver excellent results, no one can guarantee perfection. Ask how your surgeon handles cases where the final result doesn’t meet your expectations. Will they offer revision surgery if needed? How do they manage patient concerns?
At PSCHR, our plastic surgeons are committed to setting realistic expectations, showing you before-and-after photos of similar cases, and working closely with you throughout the recovery process to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed.
How Often Will I Need to Return for Follow-Up Care?
Follow-up care is an essential part of your surgical journey. Depending on the procedure, you may need to return multiple times to monitor healing, remove sutures, or evaluate results. Ask how often these visits are scheduled and whether there are any additional fees.
At Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, we consider follow-up visits a key part of your care, not an add-on. Routine post-operative visits are often included in your treatment plan at no extra cost, and our team remains accessible to you throughout your recovery.
Choose a Trusted Team for Your Plastic Surgery in Williamsburg
Asking the right questions during your consultation can make all the difference in your surgical experience. At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, we always encourage open and honest communication. Our board-certified surgeons in Williamsburg, VA are here to help you make empowered, informed decisions for your plastic or reconstructive surgery. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover what’s possible for your transformation.
