Your consultation is not just the surgeon evaluating you — it's you evaluating the surgeon. A well-prepared list of questions ensures you leave the appointment with the information you need to make a confident, informed decision.
We've organized these into six categories. You won't ask all 30 in a single consultation — that would take all day. But review the full list, mark the ones that matter most to you, and bring your list. A good surgeon welcomes an informed patient.
Print or save this page to your phone before your appointment. You can check off questions as they're answered and write notes next to them.
Credentials and Experience
These questions establish whether the surgeon meets the minimum safety standards.
Credentials and experience questions:
- 1. Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? This is the only ABMS-recognized board certification for plastic surgery. If the answer references any other board — particularly the "American Board of Cosmetic Surgery" — understand that this certification has significantly less rigorous requirements. Verify independently at certificationmatters.org.
- 2. How many years have you been performing liposuction? Look for at least 5 years of active liposuction practice beyond residency training.
- 3. How many liposuction procedures do you perform per year? A surgeon performing 100+ liposuction procedures annually has significantly more refined skills than one doing 10–20 per year.
- 4. Do you hold hospital privileges for liposuction? Hospital privileges mean the surgeon's credentials have been independently reviewed by a peer committee.
- 5. Is your surgical facility accredited? By which organisation? Look for AAAASF, AAAHC, Joint Commission, or state certification.
Technique and Approach
These questions help you understand the specific plan for your body.
Technique and approach questions:
- 6. Which liposuction technique do you recommend for me, and why? The answer should be specific to your anatomy and goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- 7. How much fat do you estimate will be removed? This gives you a realistic expectation and indicates whether the surgeon is planning a conservative or aggressive approach.
- 8. How many treatment areas will be addressed? Confirm the scope of work matches your goals.
- 9. Will you be performing the entire procedure yourself? In teaching hospitals or practices with fellows, portions may be performed by trainees. You have the right to know who will be doing what.
- 10. Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with a similar body type to mine? Results on a 25-year-old with excellent skin elasticity don't predict results on a 50-year-old. Ask to see patients who share your general build, age range, and treatment areas.
- 11. What are the limitations of what liposuction can achieve for my body? A surgeon who clearly explains the limitations — skin laxity issues, areas where improvement will be modest, the distinction between liposuction and weight loss — is someone you can trust.
Anaesthesia and Safety
These questions address the safety infrastructure around your procedure.
Anaesthesia and safety questions:
- 12. What type of anesthesia do you recommend for my procedure? The answer should explain why a particular approach (local, IV sedation, or general) is appropriate for the scope of your procedure and your health profile.
- 13. Can my procedure be done under local anesthesia with sedation instead of general? If you prefer to avoid general anesthesia, this is worth exploring.
- 14. Who will provide my anesthesia? For IV sedation or general anesthesia, the provider should be a board-certified anaesthesiologist or CRNA — not the surgeon or an unqualified assistant.
- 15. How do you assess DVT risk before surgery? A well-prepared surgeon uses a validated risk stratification tool like the Caprini Score.
- 16. What DVT prevention measures do you use? Expect to hear about sequential compression devices, early ambulation protocols, and — for higher-risk patients — chemical prophylaxis.
- 17. What emergency protocols are in place at your facility? The facility should have written emergency protocols, on-site resuscitation equipment, a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital, and staff trained in ACLS.
- 18. What is your complication rate for liposuction? Rates under 1% for liposuction alone are consistent with published benchmarks.
- 19. What happens if I have a complication after hours or on a weekend? You should receive a direct contact number (not a general office line) for post-operative emergencies.
Results and Recovery
These questions set realistic expectations.
Results and recovery questions:
- 20. What results can I realistically expect? The surgeon should give you an honest assessment — not a sales pitch — including what factors might limit your results.
- 21. When will I see my final results? Most surgeons say meaningful results are visible at 4–6 weeks, with final results at 3–6 months. A surgeon who claims you'll see final results in 2 weeks is not being accurate.
- 22. How much time should I take off work? Desk work typically requires 3–7 days; physical work may require 2–4 weeks.
- 23. What does your typical recovery protocol look like? Ask about compression garment requirements, activity restrictions, lymphatic massage recommendations, and the follow-up schedule.
- 24. How many follow-up appointments are included? Most surgeons include a series of visits (typically at 1 week, 2–4 weeks, 6–8 weeks, and 3–6 months). Confirm what's included.
- 25. What is your revision policy if I'm not satisfied with my results? A clear, written revision policy demonstrates accountability.
Cost and Logistics
These questions ensure there are no financial surprises.
Cost and logistics questions:
- 26. What does the quoted price include? A complete quote should include surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, compression garments, and post-operative follow-up. If the quote only covers the surgeon's fee, you could be looking at $2,000–$4,000 in additional costs.
- 27. Are there any additional costs I should anticipate? Ask specifically about prescriptions, additional compression garments, lymphatic massage, and any scenario where additional fees might apply.
- 28. Do you offer financing? Many practices offer financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans. Understand the terms — particularly interest rates and deferred-interest provisions.
- 29. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy? Most practices require a deposit to hold a surgical date. Understand whether and when your deposit is refundable.
- 30. What pre-operative testing is required, and is that included in the fee? Pre-operative blood work, EKG, or medical clearance may be required and are sometimes billed separately.
How to Evaluate the Answers
The questions above gather information. But the quality of the consultation is about more than the words spoken. Pay attention to the following.
What to observe beyond the answers:
- Time and attention — did the surgeon give you adequate time? Were your questions answered thoughtfully, or did the conversation feel rushed? A surgeon who schedules 15-minute consultations for a surgical procedure is prioritising volume over care.
- Physical examination — did the surgeon actually examine you — assess your skin elasticity, fat distribution, and body proportions — or did they make recommendations based on a quick glance?
- Honesty about limitations — did the surgeon tell you what liposuction can't do for your body, or did every question receive an optimistic response?
- Listening — did the surgeon ask about your goals and concerns before prescribing a plan, or did they immediately launch into a recommendation?
- Pressure — did you feel pressured to book surgery during or immediately after the consultation? Responsible surgeons encourage you to take your time and make a considered decision.
- Staff professionalism — was the support staff knowledgeable, courteous, and professional? The front office reflects the practice culture.