At this point you may have narrowed your choices to one or two surgeons. It is now time for the consultation. Here are key questions to consider:

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• What is the surgeon's area of expertise?
• Has the surgeon practiced for many years, or performed many of these procedures?
• Is the surgeon friendly yet confident and professional?
• Does the surgeon use a certified surgical facility with board-certified anesthesiologists and up-to-date emergency equipment and anesthesia monitoring devices?
• What is the total price of the surgery? (This includes the surgeon's fee, operating room, anesthesia, etc.)
• Are you allowed to see before and after pictures of other patients? Is a computer imager used to enhance communication between you and the surgeon?
• Does the surgeon encourage you to ask questions?
• Are the surgeon's answers realistic?

After you've settled on a doctor and a procedure, you may want to get a second opinion just to be sure your decision is the right one for you.

Keep in mind, excellent credentials and a good rapport with your surgeon does not guarantee a favorable outcome. However, these are the foundation of a successful partnership between surgeon and patient.

You should exclude any surgeon who: healthren.com

• Does not perform the procedure you are considering routinely
• Dismisses the risks of surgery or is not open to a discussion of complications
• Guarantees results
• Will not or cannot show before and after results of other patients
• Does not allow you to ask questions freely
• Is not courteous and respectful
• Offers bargain fees or gimmicks
• Is not routinely involved in post-operative care