How to Discuss Risks and Complications With Your Surgeon
Updated October 2025
Preparing for a plastic surgery consultation is about more than collecting price quotes—it’s about protecting your health, clarifying your goals, and choosing a surgeon whose training, ethics, and results align with what you want. Whether you’re considering a mommy makeover in Atlanta, Georgia, or another procedure, walking in with a plan turns an overwhelming conversation into a productive, reassuring experience. Asking informed questions is one of the easiest ways to improve safety, satisfaction, and long-term results.
This guide gives you a practical consultation checklist, the right questions to ask, and clear red flags to avoid. You’ll learn what board certification actually means, how to evaluate before-and-after photos, why facility accreditation matters, and how to talk about risks and complications—especially for multi-procedure surgeries like mommy makeover (often a combination of tummy tuck, breast surgery, and targeted liposuction). Use these insights to feel confident, calm, and in control as you choose a surgeon and plan your next steps.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust
Board certification: Start here. In the United States, board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the gold standard for plastic surgeons. ABPS certification means the surgeon completed accredited residency training in plastic surgery, passed rigorous written and oral exams, and maintains ongoing continuing medical education and ethical standards. It is not the same as “cosmetic” boards that may require less training or supervision. When you see “board-certified” on a website, verify it independently before you book.
Experience with your procedure: Ask how many cases the surgeon performs each year of your specific procedure (e.g., mommy makeover) and how they handle complex cases or revisions. Volume alone isn’t everything, but consistent experience usually correlates with refined technique, clearer expectations, and streamlined aftercare.
Before-and-after photos: Look for cases similar to your age, body type, skin quality, and surgical plan (e.g., tummy tuck + breast lift vs. augmentation; liposuction areas; diastasis repair). Photos should be standardized (similar lighting/angles) and recent.
Patient reviews and reputation: Reviews are imperfect but still useful—especially those that describe bedside manner, clarity of instructions, responsiveness after surgery, and how the team handled any bumps in recovery.
Hospital privileges and facility accreditation: Surgeons with active hospital privileges have been vetted by peer committees; privileges also allow hospital backup if needed. Equally important is where your surgery occurs: the operating facility should be accredited by AAAASF, The Joint Commission (JCAHO), or AAAHC—organizations that audit safety, anesthesia standards, and emergency readiness.
→ Best Mommy Makeover Surgeons in Atlanta
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Below are examples you can tailor to your situation. Use them as your conversation script and note the surgeon’s clarity and tone—great surgeons welcome these questions.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
| Topic | Example Question |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s Experience | How many [procedure]s have you performed? |
| Credentials | Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? |
| Facility | Is your surgical center accredited by AAAASF, JCAHO, or AAAHC? |
| Safety | Who administers anesthesia, and what are their qualifications? |
| Results | Can I see before-and-after photos of patients like me? |
| Recovery | What restrictions will I have during recovery? |
| Complications | How do you handle revisions or complications? |
These questions do more than collect facts—they reveal how the surgeon communicates, teaches, and troubleshoots. Clear, specific answers (without dismissiveness or euphemisms) are signs of a safety-first practice. For combined surgeries like a mommy makeover, ask how the surgeon staggers procedures to minimize anesthesia time, which order they operate in (e.g., tummy tuck before breast work), how they reduce blood clot risk, and what criteria would lead them to recommend staging into two operations rather than one long session. A trustworthy surgeon will explain trade-offs and personalize recommendations to your health profile, home support, and recovery bandwidth.
Red Flags to Watch for
- No ABPS board certification or unclear training history
- Unusually low pricing or “today-only” promotions for major surgery
- Refusal to show before-and-after photos or verify credentials
- Non-accredited facilities or vague answers about anesthesia providers
- High-pressure sales tactics or pushback when you ask about risks/alternatives
Skilled, ethical surgeons are transparent, encourage second opinions, and welcome thoughtful questions. If you feel rushed, guilted, or confused, step back and keep looking—you deserve a team that prioritizes your safety, not a quick sale.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
A little prep transforms your consult from “information overload” to a focused, empowering conversation:
- Write down your goals and expectations. Be specific: flatter abdomen after pregnancies, lift/reshape breasts without going larger, fit into certain clothing, reduce diastasis, etc. Rank your top priorities to help guide surgical planning.
- Review your medical history and current medications. Include prior surgeries, allergies, bleeding/clotting issues, history of keloids, and medications/supplements (especially blood thinners, hormone therapies, and herbal products). Bring a list—accuracy matters for anesthesia and safety.
- Collect inspiration photos (if applicable). Use photos to discuss general shape and proportion—not exact “copy this person” requests. Your anatomy, skin elasticity, and scar patterns will influence what’s realistic.
- Prepare your list of questions. Use the table above. Add logistics: time off work, childcare planning, compression garments, drain management, and scar care.
- Plan transportation and support. For surgery discussions, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay the first night. If you have young children, ask about lifting restrictions and plan help for pick-ups, baths, and bedtime during the early weeks.
- Bring a notebook or use your phone to record notes. Ask for printed instructions; consider taking notes or recording (with permission). Post-consult clarity is priceless.
How to Discuss Risks and Complications (Mommy Makeover Focus)
A mommy makeover is often two or more surgeries in one setting (e.g., abdominoplasty with muscle repair + breast lift/augmentation + liposuction). That efficiency can be great—but it increases complexity. Your goal is to understand (1) the risks most relevant to you and (2) what your surgeon does to prevent and manage them.
Key topics to cover clearly and calmly:
- Anesthesia time and staging: “How long will my operation last? At what point would you stage procedures to reduce anesthesia time?”
- Blood clot prevention (DVT/PE): “What’s your protocol for clot prevention—risk scoring, compression devices, blood thinners when indicated, early mobility?”
- Wound healing and fluid management: “How do you reduce seroma risk after tummy tuck? Do you use drains or drainless techniques, and why? What’s the plan if fluid accumulates?”
- Breast-specific considerations: For lifts and augmentations, ask about implant size reasoning, pocket plane (subfascial/subpectoral), and how they reduce capsular contracture risk.
- Scar quality: “What affects my scarring (skin type, tension, genetics)? What is your scar protocol—silicone, taping, lasers, timing?”
- Realistic outcomes: “What can’t this surgery fix (e.g., internal stretch marks, skin quality limits)? What are common revisions and when are they considered?”
- Emergency readiness: “What emergencies are you prepared for in the OR, and what is the transfer plan if hospital care is needed?”
A safety-first surgeon will translate risk statistics into plain language and tailor prevention to your situation (BMI, prior C-sections, hernias, nicotine exposure, diastasis extent, childcare demands). They’ll also review a detailed informed consent that explains the procedure, alternatives, and potential complications—before you sign anything.
What Makes a Facility Safe
Accreditation bodies:
- AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities)
- The Joint Commission (JCAHO)
- AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care)
These organizations inspect for safety protocols, anesthesia standards, sterile processing, staff training, medication handling, emergency equipment, and transfer agreements. Ask to see proof of current accreditation and the most recent inspection date.
Board-certified surgeons and accredited centers: Reputable ABPS-certified surgeons operate in accredited facilities or hospitals. Accreditation ensures the environment and staff are ready for routine cases and rare emergencies.
Anesthesia protocols and emergency readiness: Confirm that a qualified anesthesia professional (MD anesthesiologist or CRNA, depending on state law and practice model) is present throughout the case; ask about airway equipment, crash cart location, medication logs, defibrillators, and direct transfer agreements with nearby hospitals. Safe facilities run drills and maintain detailed checklists—the same attention to detail you want around your surgery.
Cost, Timing, and Second Opinions
While this guide focuses on safety and preparation, your consult will likely touch on fees and scheduling. For complex procedures like mommy makeover, costs reflect surgeon expertise, anesthesia professional time, facility fees, garments, and postoperative care. If you’re comparing surgeons in Atlanta, focus less on “cheapest” and more on value and safety: training, volume with your procedure, complication policies, and quality of the recovery plan. It’s reasonable to gather 2–3 consults—surgeons who welcome comparison shopping are showing confidence and transparency.
→ Mommy Makeover Cost in Atlanta (2025 Guide)
Sample Consultation Flow (What to Expect)
- Goal-setting: You describe priorities and lifestyle needs (e.g., returning to a childcare routine, gym timeline).
- Exam and candidacy: The surgeon evaluates skin, fat distribution, diastasis, and breast support.
- Procedure plan: Options, sequencing, and staging are outlined with pros/cons.
- Risk review: Personalized discussion of the most likely risks and mitigation strategies.
- Recovery roadmap: Day-by-day overview, restrictions, scar care, and follow-ups.
- Pricing and scheduling: You receive a written quote with all fees and policies (e.g., revision policy, cancellation terms).
If any of these steps feel rushed or vague—especially the risk review—schedule more time or seek a second opinion.
FAQs
What should I bring to my consultation? A list of goals, medical history/medications, inspiration photos, and your prepared questions. Bring a notebook or use your phone (with permission) to capture key details.
How long does a plastic surgery consultation take? Typically 30–60 minutes. Complex plans (like mommy makeover) may run longer—ask if a second visit or virtual follow-up is available to finish questions calmly.
Is the consultation fee applied toward surgery? Many practices credit the fee if you book within a set window, but policies vary. Ask for the rule in writing.
What are signs of an unsafe or unqualified surgeon? No ABPS certification, non-accredited facilities, vague answers about anesthesia, pushy discounts, and refusal to show similar before-and-afters are major red flags.
How many consultations should I have before choosing a surgeon? Two to three is common. Choose the surgeon who communicates clearly, personalizes the plan, sets realistic expectations, and shows consistent results.
Your Personal Consultation Checklist
- Confirm ABPS board certification and hospital privileges.
- Verify facility accreditation (AAAASF, JCAHO, or AAAHC) and anesthesia provider credentials.
- Review at least 2–3 before-and-afters that match your body type and goals.
- Discuss risks, prevention protocols, and the revision policy in writing.
- Get a written recovery plan: restrictions, time off, garments, follow-ups, and contact for urgent issues.
- Receive an itemized quote (surgeon, anesthesia, facility, garments/meds, potential extras).
- Ask how the team manages complications and when they recommend staging procedures.
The Takeaway
A successful consultation balances honest education, clear planning, and mutual trust. Board certification, accredited facilities, and transparent safety protocols are non-negotiables. When discussing a mommy makeover or any multi-procedure plan, expect a careful review of anesthesia time, blood clot prevention, wound care, realistic scar expectations, and a step-by-step recovery roadmap tailored to your home and work demands. If you ever feel rushed, confused, or pressured, pause and seek another opinion. The right surgeon will make you feel informed, respected, and safe.
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