Questions to Ask Before Plastic Surgery in Edmonton
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a personal decision, and finding the right surgeon deserves careful consideration. A consultation should give you clear information about the procedure, your surgeon’s qualifications, where surgery will take place, and what you can realistically expect from recovery.
If you are researching plastic surgery in Edmonton, asking the right questions can help you feel informed and prepared before making your decision. Here are several questions to bring to your consultation with a cosmetic surgeon in Edmonton.
Is Your Plastic Surgeon Board Certified?
Ask about your surgeon’s professional credentials and specialized training. In Canada, fellowship and Royal College credentials can provide useful information about a surgeon’s education and qualifications.
Dr. Joshua DeSerres is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and completed Plastic Surgery residency training at the University of Alberta. He also completed fellowship training in Adult Craniofacial Surgery at the University of Toronto, with a focus on reconstructive and aesthetic facial surgery.
These qualifications can be especially relevant when considering facial procedures that require a detailed understanding of facial anatomy.
Does Your Surgeon Have Operating Privileges?
Hospital privileges can provide additional insight into a surgeon’s professional practice and qualifications. Ask where your procedure will be performed and whether your surgeon has operating privileges at the facility.
Dr. DeSerres has hospital privileges at Royal Alexandra, Grey Nuns, and Misericordia Hospitals in Edmonton. His practice also includes reconstructive surgery, including breast, hand, and general reconstruction, as well as complex facial reconstruction following trauma and skin cancer.
Is the Surgical Facility Accredited?
Before scheduling surgery, ask where the procedure will take place and what standards the facility follows. An accredited ambulatory surgical facility is designed specifically for procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay.
Your consultation is a good time to ask about:
The name and location of the surgical facility
Facility accreditation
The surgical team involved in your care
What happens if additional medical care is needed
How Experienced Is Your Surgeon With the Procedure?
Experience matters because each procedure involves different anatomical considerations, surgical techniques, and recovery requirements.
Ask how frequently your surgeon performs the procedure you are considering and whether they regularly treat patients with similar goals or concerns. You can also ask about typical recovery, activity restrictions, and factors that may affect your individual results.
Can You See Before-and-After Photographs?
Ask to see photographs of patients who have undergone the procedure you are considering. Pay attention to whether the results look proportionate and consistent with your own goals.
You should also ask how results may change during the healing process. A photograph represents one patient's outcome, and your anatomy and recovery can influence your own result.
Book a Consultation with Joshua DeSerres Plastic Surgery
If you are considering cosmetic surgery in Edmonton, Dr. Joshua DeSerres provides personalized surgical consultations for procedures involving the face, breasts, and body. His practice serves patients seeking plastic surgery in Alberta with an emphasis on individualized treatment planning and patient education.
Contact us at Joshua DeSerres Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Edmonton and learn whether your desired procedure may be appropriate for you.