Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a big step, and your consultation is the time to get real answers. Whether you’re looking into a chin implant, scar revision, or otoplasty (ear pinning), asking the right questions helps you feel confident in your choice. Here’s what to cover before you book.
1. Are you board-certified, and in what specialty?
Board certification matters. In Utah, look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or, for facial procedures, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. You can verify any surgeon’s certification on the ABPS website. Don’t skip this question, it tells you the surgeon has completed rigorous training and exams beyond medical school.
2. How many of these procedures have you performed?
Experience counts. A surgeon who performs chin implants or otoplasty regularly will have better technique and fewer surprises. Ask for a rough number, “about how many per year” is fair. For revision-prone procedures like scar revision, you especially want someone who’s seen a range of scar types.
3. Can I see before-and-after photos of patients like me?
Photos tell you what’s realistic. Ask to see results from patients with similar anatomy, skin type, and concerns. A good surgeon will have a portfolio ready. If they hesitate or only show “best case” results, that’s a yellow flag.
4. What’s the total cost and what’s included?
Utah pricing varies by procedure and surgeon. For example:
- Chin implant: roughly $3,000–$6,000 in Utah (state average around $3,112)
- Otoplasty (ear pinning): $3,000–$6,000 in Utah (state average around $3,706, though some clinics quote higher)
Ask for a written breakdown: surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fee, post-op garments, and follow-up visits. Most cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance, so ask about financing options too.
5. Where will the surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited?
Surgery can happen in a hospital, an accredited surgical center, or an office-based suite. Make sure the facility is accredited by a national body (like AAAASF or JCI) or state-licensed. This matters for safety standards and emergency preparedness.
6. What’s your complication rate, and how do you handle revisions?
A transparent surgeon will share their numbers. Major outpatient complications (infections, hospitalization) should be under 1%. Ask about their revision policy — some surgeons include minor touch-ups in the original fee, others charge separately.
7. What does recovery actually look like?
Get a day-by-day picture. For otoplasty, you’ll wear a headband for several weeks and can return to work or school in about a week, with full recovery in 4–6 weeks. For chin implants, expect swelling for 1–2 weeks and a soft-food diet for a few days. Scar revision recovery depends on the method, laser has minimal downtime, while surgical excision may take 1–2 weeks before you’re back to normal.
8. What would make me a poor candidate?
A good surgeon will tell you honestly if your goals aren’t realistic or if your health history makes surgery risky. If they say yes to everything without discussing risks, that’s a red flag.
9. Who will be on my surgical team?
Ask who’s performing the anesthesia and what their credentials are. Also ask if the surgeon uses the same team every time, consistency matters for safety and results.
10. What’s the long-term outlook?
How long will results last? Chin implants are permanent but may need revision if the implant shifts. Otoplasty results are typically lifelong. Scar revision results depend on the scar type and your healing.