15 Aug 2025 | by Dr. Doherty.
It is exciting to be living in a time where we can get infinite knowledge with the swipe of a finger. While I love the fact that patients can educate themselves on aesthetic procedures, no amount of research is going to be a substitute for an in-person consultation. In fact, I always say that the exemplary result that we both want begins with our first meeting. The consultation allows me to examine you in-person, which is something that the internet cannot accomplish, but it’s also an opportunity for me to assess the big picture. I spend considerable time during our meeting listening attentively to what bothers you about your appearance. It may turn out that what you think you need to address your concerns is not actually going to deliver your desired result. It is my job to read between the lines. I will ask in-depth questions into your medical history, family history, prior procedures as well as how you healed. But the consultation is not just about my questions. It is also a time is for you to conduct your own investigation. So, what to ask during your plastic surgery consultation? Here are some guidelines.
Are You Board-Certified?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your needs is personal. However, you definitely want to be in the most experienced hands possible. This is why I always encourage patients to look for a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself. It is a “cheat sheet” to excellence. When you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, you know that he or she has completed:
- Medical School
- Surgery Residency
- Plastic Surgery Residency/Fellowship
- Oral and Written Board Examinations
- Operates in an Accredited Surgical Facility
All of these steps take time during which the plastic surgeon is gaining more and more experience. Furthermore, becoming board-certified is not a one-and-done. It requires ongoing training in the latest innovations and techniques so you know that you are getting the most up-to-date treatment plan possible.
What is Your Aesthetic?
I encourage all new patients to visit my website before the consultation and look at the before-and-after photos for your procedure of interest. I also want you to bring
in as many photos of other people with the “look” that you are trying to achieve as well as old photos of yourself, if possible. The goal is to make certain that I am very clear on the end result that you would like to achieve and that our aesthetics are in sync. Asking a plastic surgeon about his or her aesthetic is critical. Personally, I prefer the kind of natural-looking, subtle result that is not noticeable. While I find that this typically lines up with what my Boston area patients desire, you might want something more extreme. That is your prerogative so make certain that you are choosing a plastic surgeon who will give you this.
How Long is the Recovery?
Another question to which you want an honest answer is about recovery. Even something non-surgical like lasers is going to require your body to heal. It is important to know whether or not you will need to take time off from work, how much time and how to set up a system so that you have any necessary support. I pride myself on being extremely up front about what you can realistically expect in terms of downtime for healing. Not only is it important for achieving your desired outcome, but having appropriate expectations is the bedrock of a happy result. A surgeon may do a great job, but if you thought you were going to be back to your normal routine in 3 days and it takes 6, you are going to be left with a bad taste in your mouth. So, ask detailed questions about recovery and be wary if no one gives you a direct answer.
To find out more about scheduling a consultation to discuss a surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
