Lip Augmentation Consultation: Prepare. Set. Go!?

Preparing for your lip enhancement surgery consultation is very important. After researching your procedure, looking at hundreds of lip augmentation before-and-after photos, and collecting names of possible surgeons, you're ready to schedule a few (possibly several) consultations. This section is designed to help you do exactly that, step by step. You'll find lists of information that may be helpful in preparing to interview those plastic surgeons. We've even include links to printer-friendly versions of the lists for your convenience.

What to Do Before Your Consult

First, you need to research several surgeons so you'll be able to check out all your options. And don't be afraid to travel (although having a surgeon who's close by is ideal.) If you have no really good lip augmentation surgeons in your area, please find one who is even if it means driving a few miles away.

If you are not sure what you should be looking for in a surgeon, please see our How To Find A Good Surgeon section for more information. It is important to check credentials, verify state medical licensure, professional malpractice insurance information, and to speak to actual patients. Word of mouth is very powerful and should be heeded.

Don't get discouraged if you don't find a surgeon you are comfortable with right away. If you look long enough you will find a surgeon (or even a few) who is worthy of operating on you. You're not getting a pair of eyeglasses or contacts fitted. This is surgery, so take your time.

Research your lip augmentation options thoroughly. There is a huge amount of information available on the Internet as well as in free pamphlets available at libraries and doctors' offices.
Visit our All About Lip Augmentation Forum to speak to other women who have undergone lip augmentation.
Check around and be aware of all your options. Just because one plastic surgeon may not perform a particular procedure doesn't mean you have to stop looking. Likewise, if a surgeon does perform the procedure or have the product you're looking for, it doesn't mean he or she is the right surgeon for you.
Don't be afraid to ask around. Make inquiries at your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, or ask nurses you know or that your friends know. You're just collecting names at this point, so any recommendations are welcome. You may not choose any of them, but it's a start.
Compile a list of possible surgeons and begin checking them out for disciplinary actions or possible negative media coverage. I recommend Google's search engine for their great content indexing system.
You can also find out if a surgeon has been disciplined by contacting your state's medical board. Information can be found at the website of the Federation of State Medical Boards.
Also check to see if the surgeon is listed with the American Board of Medical Specialties at http://www.abms.org/.
Has the doctor's malpractice insurance ever been cancelled? Some state medical boards will tell you when a doctor has had insurance cancelled; however, you need to contact the Department of Insurance (DOI) in your state. (Beware! Most doctors can get insurance no matter how bad their record is).
Some states allow a surgeon not to carry insurance. However, these surgeons are usually required to put up a surety bond, usually for the maximum amount for a malpractice award for the state. This way the surgeon can pay out of his own pocket in the event of a malpractice case/award.
What does the American Medical Association (AMA) have on file about the doctor? The American Medical Directory, published by the AMA, lists the affiliations of its members. It should be available at your public library. For $60, the AMA will provide biographical information on as many as four physicians. There is also a “Doctor Finder” function on the AMA website at http://www.ama-assn.org/.
Discuss with your spouse or significant other your wishes and concerns. Perhaps they have questions or concerns you haven't thought of.
Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you do and do not want as a final result.
Compile a reference list of all the medications you are taking. Your doctor should instruct you to refrain from any products containing aspirin prior to surgery. View our Medications and Supplements to Avoid Before Surgery page for a full list.
Beware of the doctor who doesn't listen to your concerns or fails to bring up the risks and complications of your chosen procedure.
Be wary if he starts pointing out something that you didn't come to him to fix. For example, if you went in to discuss lip augmentation only and the surgeon starts trying to sell you breast implants, beware! You aren't a Mrs. Potato Head doll and besides, that's just rude! The doctor should be there to make you, the patient, happy -- not make extra money by preying upon your insecurities. Of course if you ask his opinion, be prepared to hear it.
Don't be intimidated.
Trust your instincts. Sometimes, if you have a bad feeling about someone or something, there's a good reason.
Make appointments for several consultations so you can get several opinions.
Remember that not all surgeons charge for a consultation and a consultation fee does not necessarily reflect the skill of a surgeon. Consultation prices vary from free to $500. Find out beforehand what the cost is so there are no surprises.
A consultation can last from 10 minutes to 2 and 1/2 hours. The doctor should answer all your questions.
Don't be tricked into the "consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled" hook. Don't book a surgery or procedure just because you feel pressured about getting your consult fee refunded.
If you are interested in silicone, find out what brand name and viscosity the doctor uses. There are currently two approved silicone products (Silikon 1000 and Adatosil 5000) for injection into the body, although the FDA has approved neither for cosmetic use. Another product, SilSkin, is in clinical trials for cosmetic use. Please do not agree to have any silicone injected that is clearly not manufactured and intended for injection into the human body. This includes all silicones by Dow-Corning. Dow-Corning makes medical grade silicone oils that are intended for lubrication of cutting edges and tubing only. In fact, Dow has each customer sign an affidavit stating what exactly they will be using the oil for, and not for injection into the human body.

What to Bring to Your Lip Augmentation Consultation

Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon.
Bring your list of medications for reference. Highlight or jot down medications which you take presently or have questions about so you will remember to ask them at your consultation.
Bring some photos to provide visuals for the surgeon of the results you desire and don't desire.
Bring a friend, family member or spouse for support.

Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon

I'll start by saying that I'm not suggesting that you ask your surgeon every single question on these lists. They are provided to give you a general idea of what you should ask and what your surgeon should tell you. Many of these questions will be answered without your prompting. These lists are more like cue cards, but conveniently all on one sheet. For ease of reference, use a highlighter to mark the number next to the questions you wish to address at your consultation. Good Luck!

Questions for Your Plastic Surgeon

General Questions About Your Surgeon

What made you decide to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
How long have you been practicing as a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? If not, why not?
Have you ever been disciplined by the board or by the state?
Have you been involved in any medical malpractice suits? If so how many?
How long have you been performing lip augmentation? How many lip procedures do you perform per month (or week)?
Have you performed a lip augmentation on anyone of your staff? May I speak to him or her?
How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you perform?
Have you or would you be willing to perform this procedure on a loved one or family member?

Product Concerns and Questions

What product do you prefer, and why?
I am interested in (name of procedure or product). Do you offer this product or procedure?
If I choose to have injectables, how many cc do you think it will take to achieve my desires?
How long will my lip augmentation last?
Is this product reversible or easily removable?
What size implant (if applicable) do you recommend for me and what key factors determine this?
Is this product FDA approved? (In Europe, does it have a CE marking?)
Is this product FDA approved for cosmetic use?
If so, is this product FDA approved specifically for use in the lips?
Are there other techniques or products, newer ones perhaps, that I may not be aware of?

Surgical Techniques (Incisions, Placement, etc.)

Do I need augmentation to define the: [ ] fleshy part of the lip
[ ] vermilion border [ ] philtrum [ ] other
How large are your incisions usually? ____ cm / ____ mm
Do I need a lip lift as well? Is my lip to nose ratio too long?
For implants, do you use one piece for the lower and two for the upper, severed in the middle, at the bow, or kept intact?

Risks, Contraindications and Complications

Make sure to discuss the risks and complications for your lip augmentation procedure.
Are there any unforeseen problems associated with this product or this type of lip augmentation that I should be aware of?
Will I experience a localized inflammatory response?
Are granulomas or lumps a risk of this product?
Is rejection or considerable palpability an issue with this product?
What are the chances of migration of the implant or product?
Will this be visible?
If migration occurs, what are my options?
What are the chances of infection?
If infection occurs, what are my options?
How long will I have to wait for revision should something need to be corrected?

Lip Augmentation Surgery Preparation

Must I abide by a special diet before surgery? If so, starting at how many days before surgery?
I smoke (if applicable). Must I quit before surgery? If so, for how long before and after should I not smoke?
Do I have to buy special post-operative supplies such as:
[ ] gauze [ ] Hibiclens [ ] Q-tips [ ] cotton balls [ ] ice packs or frozen peas [ ] antibiotic creams [ ] other
Do you suggest vitamins and supplements, such as:
[ ] Vit. C [ ] Vit. K [ ] Vit. A [ ] Vit. K [ ] Zinc
[ ] Coenzyme Q-10 [ ] L-Carnitine [ ] Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
[ ] MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) [ ] other
5. I have heard SinEcch, a pharmaceutical grade derivative of Arnica montana, helps with the swelling and bruising if taken before and after my surgery. Do you recommend it?
What about bromelain tablets?
What about the topical arnica gels?
What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
I am sensitive to Vicodin and Codeine (if applicable). What alternative medications do you offer?
I take (birth control, diet pills, antidepressants, etc.). Will I have any adverse reactions from the prescribed medications or anesthesia?
Will I need to have a test injection or treatment, if applicable?
Will I need to use cold compresses or ice packs to alleviate pain and swelling after surgery? How long, and often, must they be used?
Will I need to apply a topical anesthetic or prepare in anyway for my procedure?

Surgical Procedure and Other Surgery Day Questions

Do you have hospital privileges should I choose to undergo my procedure in a hospital?
If not, did you lose those privileges? (If so, the surgeon must disclose this information.)
Do you have an on-site accredited surgery center? If so, may I see it? Which organization is it accredited by?
[ ] AAAASF - American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
[ ] AAAHC - Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
[ ] JCAHO - Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
[ ] Medicare
[ ] State
How is a medical emergency handled? (Make sure the facility has a "crash cart" with the medications and equipment to handle a life-threatening emergency.)
What anesthetic will you use? (check one) [ ] Light Sleep/Twilight [ ] General IV [ ] General Gaseous Sedation
Who will administer anesthesia? (check one)
[ ] anesthesiologist [ ] certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) [ ] surgeon [ ] nurse
I have heard that general anesthesia can make a patient sick to their stomach. Is this true? If so, what can you do to lessen this effect?
Do you have the following monitoring machines in your operating room (check all that apply)?
[ ] EKG [ ] Pulse Oximetry [ ] Blood Pressure,
[ ] Capnograph (CO2) [ ] pneumatic leg sleeves
Do you have transfer privileges (to admit a patient) at a nearby hospital? [ ] yes [ ] no
How long will my procedure take to perform?

Recovery Questions

Recovery room monitors (circle all that apply)?
[ ] EKG [ ] Pulse Oximetry [ ] Blood Pressure
[ ] heating blankets or lamps
What is the certification of the person that will be present in the recovery room? (check all that apply)
[ ] MD [ ] RN [ ] PA [ ] certified in CPR
[ ] certified in Advanced Cardiac Support?
Will this person have other duties during my recovery?
[ ] yes [ ] no
Will there be a lot of swelling and bruising? [ ] yes [ ] no
Will there be much pain? [ ] yes [ ] no
What suggestions do you have for me to ease discomfort and pain?
If I need anything after-hours, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
If I have an emergency the night after surgery, what should I do?
If such an emergency arises, will you be the attending physician? [ ] yes [ ] no
What are your policies on post-operative care?
When will my sutures (stitches) be removed?
How long will it take for my swelling to subside?
Will I have visible scarring? If so, how bad will it be?
Do you recommend silicone sheeting, topical gels, or use "steri-strips" for lessening of scars? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you think the above helps?
How long do you recommend that I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?
How long until I will be able to walk, exercise, run or participate in contact sports?
Must I abide by any special diet post-operatively? What about supplements?

Results

Do you believe my expectations can be met? [ ] yes [ ] no
If my results are not what I wanted, what is your policy on a revision?
Will you offer a discount for a revision if I have complications beyond my control?
What would you do if I undergo the surgery and have a complication during my recovery?

Request for Information

Do you have a video tape available of this procedure or treatment that I may check out? [ ] yes [ ] no
May I view your before-and-after photos? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you have sequential sets? [ ] yes [ ] no
May I speak with some of your patients who have had lip enhancement performed by you? [ ] yes [ ] no

Financial Issues

Are there any hidden costs that I should know about? For lab work, post-operative check-ups, additional medications? If yes, please explain.
Do your require a deposit to hold my surgery date?
[ ] yes [ ] no If so, how much?
Do you offer financing (if applicable)? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you expect full payment up front? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you take credit cards? [ ] yes [ ] no
May I pay in increments? [ ] yes [ ] no
What if I change my mind and back out, will my money be refunded? [ ] yes [ ] no
Other financial questions?

Miscellaneous

How far in advance is it necessary to schedule a surgery date? I'd like to have the surgery done on or by (your desired date). Would this be possible?

If you can think of any other questions or additional information you desire to know, don't hesitate to ask or express your concerns.