What to ask

By JOHN EWOLDT, Star Tribune

Last update: August 11, 2008 - 6:43 PM

1. How much is a consultation and can the price be applied to work done?

2. Will my consultation be with the doctor or a staff member?

3. Who will be doing the procedure? A doctor, a nurse or an aesthetician?

4. Will a doctor be in the room if the procedure is done by a staff member?

5. What kind of complications can occur with this procedure?

6. Who will I see if I have complications? What is that person’s availability? Are those treatments included or extra?

7. How many times has this person done this procedure (with the machine/technique being used on me)?

8. Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology or plastic surgery? From which board? The most rigorous certifications include the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and certifications for otolaryngology or facial plastic or reconstructive surgery.

9. Is this procedure a specialty of yours? What training have you had in this procedure?

10. Can you show me pre- and post-procedure photos from your own patients? What percentage of your patients with this procedure see these results?

11. Will there be any downtime or recovery time needed?

John Ewoldt

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