A plastic surgery consultation is your opportunity to evaluate the surgeon just as much as they evaluate you. Patients who arrive prepared — with the right questions — make better decisions, set realistic expectations, and are far less likely to experience surprises after surgery.
Here are the questions that matter most, and why each one is worth asking.
Questions About the Surgeon’s Credentials
Are you board-certified in plastic surgery — and by which board?
This is the single most important question you can ask. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) means the surgeon completed a plastic surgery residency, passed rigorous written and oral examinations, and met ongoing maintenance standards. It is not the same as being board-certified in a different specialty or being “board-eligible” — a term that means exams have not yet been passed.
Dr. Gartner holds double board certification — in both plastic surgery and general surgery — making him one of a small number of surgeons in the country with this level of credentialing.
Are you a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)?
The FACS designation indicates additional peer review of a surgeon’s credentials, ethical standards, and professional standing. It is not automatically granted with board certification — it requires a separate application and review process.
If you are specifically preparing for a breast augmentation consultation, see our dedicated guide: Questions to Ask at a Breast Augmentation Consultation.
Questions About the Procedure
How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
Volume matters in surgery. A surgeon who performs a procedure regularly has refined their technique, anticipates complications more effectively, and delivers more consistent results. Ask specifically about the procedure you are considering — not their overall surgical experience.
What technique will you use, and why is it right for me?
There is often more than one surgical approach for any given procedure. A confident, experienced surgeon should be able to explain which technique they recommend for your anatomy and goals, and why it is preferable over alternatives. Vague or generic answers here are a red flag.
What results can I realistically expect?
Be cautious of any surgeon who makes guarantees or promises dramatic results without caveats. Honest surgeons discuss realistic outcomes based on your specific anatomy, skin quality, and goals — not best-case scenarios. Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar starting points to yours.
What are the risks and potential complications of this procedure?
Every surgical procedure carries risk. A thorough surgeon will walk you through the specific risks relevant to your procedure and health history — not just a generic list. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, informed consent discussions that cover risks in detail are associated with higher patient satisfaction and fewer post-operative concerns. (ASPS Patient Safety)
Questions About the Facility and Anesthesia
Where will my surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited?
Surgery performed in an accredited facility — such as one certified by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) — meets strict safety, equipment, and staffing standards. Gartner Plastic Surgery’s operating facility is AAAASF-accredited, meaning every procedure is performed in a fully equipped, regulated surgical environment.
Who will administer my anesthesia?
Anesthesia should be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) — not by the operating surgeon. Ask this question directly and confirm the answer before your surgery date. If your procedure is being offered under local anesthesia or awake sedation, ask why and whether you are a good candidate for that approach.
Questions About Recovery and After-Care
What does recovery look like, and what restrictions will I have?
Get specific answers: how many days off work, when you can drive, when you can exercise, and what signs of complications require immediate attention. A well-prepared patient recovers more smoothly and is less likely to compromise their results by returning to activity too soon.
Who do I contact if I have a concern after surgery?
Post-operative access matters. Confirm that you will have a direct line to the surgical team — not just a general office number — and that Dr. Gartner or a qualified member of his team will be available for urgent concerns during recovery.
Questions About Cost
What is included in the quoted price?
Make sure the quote covers surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, post-operative garments, and follow-up appointments. Unexpected add-ons after surgery are a common source of patient frustration. A transparent practice provides an itemized breakdown upfront.
At Gartner Plastic Surgery, all quoted procedure fees include surgeon fees, facility fees, anesthesia, necessary garments, and pre- and post-operative appointments. The consultation fee is $200, which is credited toward the cost of your surgery. You can review procedure pricing at gartnerplasticsurgery.com/about/prices/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get more than one plastic surgery consultation?
Yes — two to three consultations before committing is reasonable and encouraged by most reputable surgeons. Comparing recommendations and how each surgeon communicates helps you make a more informed decision. Be cautious of any surgeon who discourages second opinions.
What is the difference between board-certified and board-eligible?
Board-certified means the surgeon has completed all required training and passed certification examinations. Board-eligible means they have finished training but have not yet passed the exams. Always choose a fully board-certified plastic surgeon for elective procedures.
How do I know if a consultation went well?
A good consultation leaves you feeling informed, not pressured. The surgeon should have listened carefully, explained your options clearly, discussed risks honestly, and answered every question thoroughly. You should leave with a clear understanding of the procedure, recovery, and total cost.
Ready to schedule your consultation? Contact Gartner Plastic Surgery in Paramus, NJ to meet with Dr. Michael Gartner, or call (201) 546-1890.
