So, you are considering plastic surgery. If this is the case, you are probably trying to figure out how to find the best plastic surgeon. After all, a bad plastic surgeon could literally scar you for life! As more and more are turning to plastic surgery to help them with their looks, plastic surgeons are popping up left and right. There are a few questions you should ask before you choose a plastic surgeon. These questions will help you from making a big mistake and ending up with a surgery result that you are unhappy with.

First, ask your potential plastic surgeon about their past history with the particular form of plastic surgery you are seeking. Find out exactly how many patients they have done the procedure on. If they are a rookie, run the other way! Remember, repeat customers probably means the doctor is doing something right. Also, you do not want to be his or her practice case!

Second, ask the doctor about the side effects that are likely from the plastic surgery. This is especially important, because many types of plastic surgery can lead to some interesting side effects. You will be told the common side effects when you opt to have the surgery, but you want to ask your doctor about the rare problems that occur with the procedure you are considering. Decide if the side effects are worth the risk. Also, find out what the risk really is, but keep in mind that even if the risk is really low, you might be the one that gives in to the side effect!

Next, beyond side effects, you will want to find out what could go wrong while you are being operated on. For example, ask the doctor what he could possibly do wrong and realize that he needs to be honest with you. If the doctor is not willing to tell you what could possibly go wrong, you might want to consider a different doctor for your plastic surgery.

Next, ask about any suits that the doctor has faced. Specifically, find out if your doctor has faced or is currently dealing with any malpractice suits due to their plastic surgery. You will probably feel uncomfortable asking this question, but you have a right to know if the doctor has made a huge mistake recently. Also, if you find out there is a malpractice suit against the doctor, make it a point to get as many details as you can, so that you know the cause of the suit. You may find it was not the doctor’s fault after all.

Finally, find out what you would need to have done if something went wrong with the plastic surgery. Along with this, ask specifically how much the reconstruction surgery would cost you. Remember that mistakes in plastic surgery can cause you serious emotional and physical problems. You want to know what you will be facing if something goes wrong. A good doctor will be willing to talk with you about the potential surgeries you face if something goes wrong.

If you are happy with the answers to these questions, then you have found a good plastic surgeon. Before signing up for the plastic surgery, make sure it is truly something you want and that you are willing to live with the potential problems.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to plastic-surgery-guided.com/ Plastic Surgery

Advanced health care directives are written instructions that communicate your wishes regarding care and treatment should you no longer be able to make your own health care decisions. Some directives are broken down into two parts - a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA). The exact language and type of document will vary depending upon the laws in your location.

Basically a Living Will allows certain treatments to be withheld or withdrawn if using them will only prolong your dying process; or if you are unconscious (and in a vegetative state) and there is no hope for recovery. An example of treatment may include feeding tubes or resuscitation if you heart stops working.

If you are unable to make health care decisions, either temporarily or permanently, a HCPOA allows you to appointment someone to make them on your behalf. It is in your best interest to choose someone who understands thoroughly your desires and is willing to honor your requests. Should you not designate a decision making person(s), generally your legal next of kin will be looked for to make that decision for you. Caution - please note that it is your “legal” next of kin who will be making decisions, and not necessarily your significant other of 25 years. In today’s world, this is another very important reason to have these documents in place.

From the standpoint of a health care provider who has worked from intensive care to hospice to primary care, I cannot stress enough the importance of having these documents completed…NOW. One never knows when one will have need of them, and these documents will save you and those that love you much grief and suffering.

In many cases, you can obtain forms from your health care provider. Forms are also readily available online. A simple online search using “Advanced Health Care Directive” on google pulled up 680,000 pages. You can break that down further by including your state/country.

Once you have these forms filled out, signed, witnesses, and perhaps even notarized, make several copies and put the original in a safe place. Make sure that the person/persons whom you have designated as your decision maker have a copy of the document, as well as your health care provider, hospital, and anyone else who needs one. Please make sure that everyone involved knows your wishes.

And remember, should you change your mind….just fill out a new form. The most current form is always the valid one.

Do it today.

For over 26 years, Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP has been involved in health care. Now, as the founder of OlderWiserWomen, LLC, that experience and passion is focused on Women who want to experience the freedom, magic and wisdom of successful aging. She can be reached through OlderWiserWomen.com OlderWiserWomen.com