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Thinking About Going Under The Knife? It is important for you to make informed decision when choosing a cosmetic procedure, product or physician. Here are some helpful tips for choosing a physician and making sure you are getting the treatment you want. Choosing the dermatologist or plastic-surgeon for your procedure. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This is extremely important as your life depends on it. Get physician referrals from family or friends who are pleased with their treatments and results. How many procedures the dermatologist or plastic surgeon has performed. Make sure they explain procedures, risks, and alternatives in detail and with clarity. Be sure they convey realistic expectations. Be sure that your dermatologist or plastic surgeon has privileges to perform procedures in a hospital. Even if performed in the office, your surgeon should have hospital privileges to perform the procedure as evidence of his or her qualifications. Questions to ask & information to disclose to the dermatologist or plastic-surgeon you’ve choosen. Discuss your medical history with your physician: Be sure to mention any pre-existing medical conditions, previous medical or cosmetic procedures, as well as any current medications you are taking. Request a patch test: If you have sensitive skin, ask your physician to perform a patch test. It will be much easier to treat a complication on a small patch of skin than a larger area. What is the surgery fee? What does that fee include? Does the cost of the surgery include everything like the anesthesiologist, the facility, and the implant? If not then make sure you get a list of the items that are covered and those that will be additional costs to you. What is the consultation fee? If you are going to be charged a consultation fee, see if it is deducted from the cost of surgery? May I see pictures of others who have had the same procedure? Know that most will show you their best pictures, so this exercise may be of limited help. This is actually most useful if you dislike the results you see, because it tells you that your surgeon's best results are below your expectations and it is time to see someone else. Will I be awake or asleep for surgery? Consider general, sedation, and local anesthesia. Note that you may sleep during either general or sedation anesthesia, although the depth of sleep varies. If surgery takes longer than expected, who will pay the extra cost? This is an important question when surgery is performed in the hospital because the operating room and anesthesia fees may accrue hourly. You'll want to be sure to cover this before the surgery to avoid any surprises later. Do you charge for revision surgery? Know that some procedures have as high as 15-20% revision rate. Unless you want to get stuck with another big bill, it is best to establish this ahead of time. You cannot simply assume that you will not need revision surgery. Will I be charged for follow-up appointments? Expect at least one year of follow-up appointments at no charge. How long is the recuperation period? What are the risks of the procedure? Once you've determined that the physician you’ve selected is board-certified and can be trusted and who has discussed treatment options with you, make sure you take the proper precautions to prepare for your appointment. Avoid using St. John's Wort, high doses of vitamin E supplements, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen prior to treatment, as these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. If you've had facial cold sores, discuss this with your doctor, he or she may want to prescribe a medication to minimize recurrence. Leave unpainted for monitoring purposes if you go under general anesthesia. The doctor needs to check your nails for blood and oxygen circulation problems associated with anesthesia. They need to make sure your nail stays a healthy color and doesn't turn blue! Be sure to follow the recovery instructions of dermatologist or plastic surgeon.       Click Here to Read More Articles>>