How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Seattle: 10 Questions to Ask at Your Consultation Said Plastic Surgery

Choosing a plastic surgeon is a very personal decision. I often tell patients that finding the right surgeon isn't just about looking at before and after photos or comparing prices. It's about finding someone you trust someone who understands what you're hoping to achieve, and someone who will be there for you throughout the entire process.

If you're considering plastic surgery in Seattle, here are some questions I recommend asking during your consultation.

1. Is your surgeon board certified in plastic surgery?

This is one of the first things I recommend patients investigate and it's worth taking a few extra minutes to verify.

There is an important distinction between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a physician who simply uses the term "cosmetic surgeon." The words can sound similar, but they don't necessarily represent the same training.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that certifies physicians specifically in plastic surgery. ABPS certification requires appropriate plastic surgery training as well as comprehensive written and oral examinations covering the specialty.

You don't have to take a surgeon's word for it. You can verify a physician's board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties' Certification Matters website at CertificationMatters.org.

You can also search directly through the American Board of Plastic Surgery at ABPlasticSurgery.org.

I encourage every patient to do this before scheduling surgery. It's a simple step, but an important one when you're trusting someone with your care.

2. How often does the surgeon perform this procedure?

Experience matters. You want a surgeon who is not only trained in your procedure but performs it regularly and understands the nuances involved.

Don't be afraid to ask how frequently your surgeon performs the procedure you're considering and how long they have been performing it.

3. Can I see before and after photos?

Absolutely ask to see them or where to see them and don't be afraid to look at a plethora of before and after photos, not just a handful of carefully selected examples.

Looking at many results can give you a much better understanding of a surgeon's work, consistency, and aesthetic approach. I encourage patients to look for results from people with different ages, body types, anatomies, and starting points. Your results will be unique to you, so finding someone who has experience treating a variety of patients is important.

Also, look at the details. Are the photos consistent? Are there multiple views? Do the results look natural? Most importantly, do you see results that are like what you're hoping to achieve?

A few beautiful photos can be impressive, but a comprehensive gallery gives you a much more realistic picture of a surgeon's work.

4. Will the surgeon listen to what I want?

Your consultation should be a conversation, not a sales pitch.

You should feel comfortable explaining what you like, what you don't like, and what you're hoping to achieve. Sometimes the best surgical plan isn't exactly what a patient initially has in mind. A good consultation should help you understand your options and why a particular approach may be recommended for you.

5. Where will my surgery be performed, and who will provide my anesthesia?

Your safety should always be part of the conversation. Ask where your surgery will take place, who will be providing your anesthesia, and what their qualifications are.

There are different types of anesthesia providers, so don't be afraid to ask specifically who will be caring for you during surgery and what their training and certification are. I value having a board-certified physician anesthesiologist involved in my patients' care because of the additional expertise they bring to the operating room.

You should feel comfortable asking these questions. Knowing who will be responsible for your anesthesia and understanding the safety measures in place can give you greater confidence going into surgery.

6. What should I realistically expect?

One of the most important parts of a consultation is having an honest conversation about your goals and what surgery can realistically accomplish.

Every patient starts with different anatomy, proportions, skin quality, and tissue characteristics. A good surgical plan takes all those things into consideration.

My goal is always to help you become the best version of yourself, not to make you look like someone else. We can enhance your natural anatomy, improve areas that may be bothering you, and create beautiful, balanced results but there are limitations to what surgery can change.

I believe the best results happen when the surgeon and patient have a shared understanding of what is possible before moving forward. You should leave your consultation feeling excited about what can be accomplished, while also having a realistic understanding of the process and the result.

7. What does recovery really look like?

Ask about downtime, restrictions, discomfort, swelling, returning to work and exercise, and when you can expect to see your final result.

Knowing what to expect can make the recovery process much easier. It's also important to understand that healing takes time, and your early result may look very different from your final result.

8. What happens after surgery?

Your relationship with your surgeon shouldn't end when you leave the operating room.

Ask about follow-up appointments and how questions or concerns are handled during recovery. You should know who you can contact if something doesn't feel right and what your postoperative care will look like.

9. What is included in the cost?

A surgical quote can include several different components, including the surgeon's fee, facility, anesthesia, implants when applicable, and postoperative care.

Make sure you understand the complete cost before making your decision and ask about anything that may not be included.

10. Most importantly, how do you feel during the consultation?

This one is easy to overlook.

Do you feel heard? Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Does the surgeon take the time to explain things in a way you understand? Do you feel that your goals and not someone else's idea of what you should look like are being considered?

Those things matter.

Choosing a surgeon is more than a photograph

I encourage patients to take their time when making this decision. Meet with a surgeon, ask questions, look at results, and think about how you felt during the consultation.

Plastic surgery is elective, and you should never feel pressured to decide before you're ready.

My goal during a consultation is to understand what brought you in, listen to what you're hoping to change, and then help you decide whether surgery and which approach makes sense for you.

The right surgeon isn't necessarily the one who tells you exactly what you want to hear. It's the one you trust to give you honest advice, set realistic expectations, and take good care of you along the way.