By KIM SMITH

Once you have decided to have plastic surgery there are several important questions you must ask.

1. “Who will be doing my surgery?” 

“Social media and the internet are filled with all sorts of people who appear to be plastic surgeons,” says Dr. Andrew Schneider, a surgeon at Forsyth Plastic Surgery in Winston-Salem. “But the fact is, almost anyone can claim to be a plastic surgeon these days, and the various board certifications and languages that are used can be very confusing.”

Dr. Schneider notes many doctors use the term “plastic surgeon,” but in reality, they have just taken a superficial course in how to do a procedure, without formal basic training.

“A true plastic surgeon is fully trained in the entire specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery and then certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery after six to eight years of rigorous training,” explains Dr. Gil Kingman, another of the surgeons at Forsyth Plastic Surgery. “If the board certification is anything but the American Board of Plastic Surgery, please take a closer look and ask questions — you may be surprised at what you find.”

2. “What procedure is right for me?”

Make sure your surgeon listens carefully to what you want to achieve, and never let someone push a procedure on you, advises Dr. George Lawson, a surgeon at FPS. “You should feel like your surgeon has listened to you. Be sure the surgery being discussed makes sense to achieve your goals, and what you want to spend.”

3. “What are the risks and benefits of the procedure?”

“Every surgery has some risks, and it is very important your doctor discusses these with you,” shares FPS surgeon, Dr. Leslie Branch. “Even minor procedures have some risks, and we want all our patients to be thoroughly educated. Fortunately, most patients have no complications and do very well.”

4. “Where will my surgery be performed?”

“Our doctors own and operate the Plastic Surgery Center of North Carolina,” notes Brittni Wonsavage, RN, nurse manager and director at the facility. “Our surgery center is fully accredited and meets every necessary standard. We stress safety and privacy, and think every patient deserves to have surgery in the best facility possible.” 

5. “Who will be around should I need someone after surgery?” (the most important question)

Forsyth Plastic Surgery has a doctor available 24 hours a day to help patients who are recovering from surgery. If someone has an issue, whether small or large, a board-certified plastic surgeon is ready to help either by phone or in person. 

The decision to have plastic surgery is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. When it comes time to meet with a plastic surgeon, make sure you think back to these five basic — yet important — questions, and enjoy the best experience possible!

To learn more about the Forsyth Plastic Surgery team — and both their surgical and non-surgical services — visit forsythplasticsurgery.com or call 336-765-8620.