dranupdhir@hotmail.com 
Deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery is an important and personal decision that can also be an exhilarating one. You are making an investment in yourself and taking steps toward feeling better about yourself. However, the most important decision you will make along the way, is not about the procedure that you have elected, but rather about the Cosmetic Surgeon that you have chosen to carry it out.
Your consultation is more than simply a quote about the price of the procedure, it is your opportunity to interview the surgeon and the team. An appropriate surgeon will be honest, patient and thorough. When it comes to your safety, you should be fully prepared to ask the appropriate questions to ensure you are in the best possible hands.
Here are 10 questions to ask before moving forward with any Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Delhi .
1. Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
This question is the most important one you can ask. The phrases "cosmetic surgeon" and "plastic surgeon" are not interchangeable terms. A "board-certified plastic surgeon" has completed years of formal, rigorous, and focused training in both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery, passed multiple extensive written and oral exams, is held to the highest standards of safety and ethics, and copyrights the term "board-certified plastic surgeon" for a very good reason. This board-certification is the gold standard, and is non-negotiable.
Why is this important? Because a doctor from another specialty (for example a dermatologist or a general practice doctor) can spend a weekend calling himself or herself a "cosmetic surgeon." A "board-certified" plastic surgeon means that your doctor is skilled and trained specifically for the procedure you are considering.
2. How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
It is desirable that you select a surgeon who specializes in the type of procedure you desire. A physician may be a Top Plastic Surgeon who is world-famous in performing facelifts but may be less experienced performing complex rhinoplasty. Ask specifics.
Why this may be important: Experience matters. A surgeon who has done a procedure hundreds (or thousands) of times has dealt with many variations in anatomy, has dealt with potential complications, and has honed their technique for producing beautiful, safe, consistent results.
3. Can I see your before-and-after photos of patients similar to me?
A collection of before and after images of previous patients forms a surgeon's resume. In addition to looking at their "best" results, ask to see pictures of patients who are similar to you in body type, age, and "before" presentation. Do you like their results? Do their style, be it natural and subtle or more dramatic, jive with your intentions?
Why it matters: This helps you visualize what's possible for you. It also gives you insight into the surgeon's artistic style. If all the results look "fake" and you want "natural," this may not be the right surgeon for you, and vice versa.
4. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
This is an assessment of a surgeon's integrity. A respectable surgeon will prioritize your safety and a good result first. They should be definitively able to tell you why you're a candidate or not. They should take the time to discuss your goals, your life, and your medical history.
The reason this is important: the "correct" answer will not always be "yes." If you have certain medical conditions, unrealistic expectations, or your anatomy is not conducive to the procedure, a prudent surgeon will tell you. They may recommend that a different procedure may be better suited for your goals or in some rare cases recommend no surgery at all.
5. What are all the potential risks and complications?
If a surgeon tells you "there are no risks," you should walk out the door. Every surgical procedure, large or small, comes with risks. An honest Cosmetic Surgeon will talk with you about these risks openly.
Why it is important: Not to frighten you, but to inform you. You will want to know the risks of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, abnormal scar formation, and the complications associated with your specific procedure (such as implant issues or asymmetry).
6. Where will the surgery be performed?
The procedure should take place in an accredited surgical center or hospital. This means a facility that meets the same high standards for safety, emergency equipment, and trained personnel, as a hospital operating room.
Why it is important: This is a major red flag; you should be very worried about a procedure performed in an unaccredited office back-room. Your safety is more important than anything else, and the environment where you have surgery is an important part of that.
7. What will my recovery be like, and what support will I have?
Now you will want to dig into some of the practical details. What should you expect for the recovery timeline? How much pain should you expect after surgery? When can you go back to work? When can you exercise? Most importantly, what happens after you leave? Who do you call for problems at 2 AM on a Sunday?
Why it matters: Surgery is a journey, and patient aftercare is equally as important as the procedure. A good practice will have a clear plan with follow up appointments along with 24/7 support for any postoperative issues.
8. What results can I realistically expect?
This is an important discussion for managing your expectations. A Top Plastic Surgeon is going to be direct in regards to the limitations of surgery. A surgeon can improve your natural features but cannot change your body or face into a different person.
Why it matters: This discussion ensures that you and your surgeon are working from the same expectations. You will not be happy with your result no matter how technically perfect the surgery is if your expectations are unrealistic.
9. What is your policy on revisions?
Even when operated by the best surgeon, the human body can be unpredictable. There may also be minor asymmetries or differences that occur during your healing process. A revision is simply a follow-up procedure to correct or improve the initial outcome.
Why does it matter? You need to understand the policy before surgery. Does the surgeon charge for revisions? Is there a time constraint for rewiring? A good surgeon has a clear and fair policy and is committed to helping you achieve a result that you are both satisfied with.
10. What is the total, all-inclusive cost?
You need a clear, itemized, all-inclusive quote in writing. A low "surgeon's fee" can be misleading if there are thousands of dollars in hidden extras.
Why it matters: Your quote should include everything:
- The surgeon's fee
- The anesthesia fee
- The operating room/facility fee
- The cost of any implants
- The cost of post-operative garments
- The cost of all follow-up visits
This is the only way to accurately compare costs and avoid a surprise bill.
Your Final Decision
Your relationship with your Cosmetic Surgeon is one of the most important parts of your surgical journey. It must be built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. A truly great surgeon will not be annoyed or offended by these questions—they will be impressed and will welcome your active participation in your own care.
If you are considering your options for Cosmetic Surgery in Delhi , Dr. Anup Dhir and his team invite your questions. We are dedicated to the highest standards of patient education, safety, and care. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive and transparent consultation.
