Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make when it comes to planning your procedure. Of course, Sacramento and Folsom have no shortage of options, so knowing what questions separate a good fit from a great one can make the process a lot less overwhelming. Here are the questions worth asking before you commit to a surgeon for your breast augmentation, tummy tuck or other procedure.
Is the Surgeon Board Certified in Plastic Surgery?
This is the first and most important question, and it’s more nuanced than it sounds. “Board certified” only means something if it’s a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Titles like “cosmetic surgeon” aren’t regulated the same way and don’t require the same years of dedicated surgical training, so it’s worth asking directly rather than assuming. You can verify a surgeon’s certification through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Find a Surgeon tool, which only lists ASPS member surgeons who meet these training standards.
How Much Experience Does the Surgeon Have With Your Specific Procedure?
Board certification tells you that a surgeon has completed the right training, but it doesn’t necessarily tell you how many facelifts or tummy tucks they’ve actually performed. Surgeons often gravitate toward areas of focus within plastic surgery, so it’s reasonable to ask how frequently they perform the specific procedure you’re considering and to see examples of their work in that category rather than a general portfolio.
Do Their Before-and-After Photos Reflect Your Goals?
Every surgeon has a unique surgical style, so looking through a photo gallery of real patients gives you a much clearer sense of what to expect than a consultation conversation alone. Pay attention to patients with a similar body type, skin quality or facial structure to yours, since that’s the best predictor of how your own results might look, and ask whether any of the shown results are outliers rather than typical outcomes.
Does the Surgeon’s Personality and Communication Style Fit You?
While some patients want a surgeon who walks them through every clinical detail, others prefer a more conversational, big-picture approach, and neither is wrong. At our practice, patients often choose between Dr. Kaufman, Dr. Davis and Dr. Daly based on exactly this kind of fit, not just procedure specialty. Meeting more than one surgeon before deciding isn’t a bad idea, even within the same practice, since the right personality match can make a real difference in how comfortable you feel throughout the process.
Where Will the Procedure Be Performed?
Ask whether surgery takes place in an accredited surgical facility, and who will be administering anesthesia. These details affect safety far more than most patients realize going in. A surgeon who takes the time to explain their facility, their surgical team and their safety protocols should be seen as a good sign, not a formality to rush through. If a surgeon seems reluctant to answer these questions clearly, consider that a red flag.
What Do Patients Say About Their Experience?
Reviews tell you things a consultation can’t, especially about recovery support and what the office is like to work with long-term. Reading through patient reviews and testimonials can round out the picture before you commit to a specific surgeon. Keep in mind that patterns across many reviews tend to be more telling than any single glowing or critical one.
Trust Your Instincts, Too
Credentials, photos and reviews all matter, but so does how you feel in the room. A good consultation should leave you with clear answers, realistic expectations and a genuine sense that your goals were heard. If something feels rushed or if your questions aren’t being fully answered, it’s worth exploring other options before moving forward.
If you’re ready to start the conversation, contact us or call our Sacramento office at 916-983-9895 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaufman, Dr. Davis or Dr. Daly today.
