Questions to Ask Before Plastic Surgery: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in Marie Claire

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD was recently featured in Marie Claire discussing the questions patients should ask during a plastic surgery consultation and why transparency around experience, complications, aftercare, and revisions is an essential part of choosing a surgeon.

One of the most important conversations involves complications. Dr. Gould explains that an experienced surgeon should be able to openly discuss complications they have encountered when performing a procedure frequently. Rather than viewing this as a negative, patients should consider a surgeon’s ability to explain potential risks and how they have managed them as an indication of experience and transparency.

Understanding the specific risks associated with a procedure is equally important. Even uncommon complications should be discussed so patients can make an informed decision about surgery. Dr. Gould uses facelift surgery as an example, noting that rare complications such as nerve injury should still be explained, along with the steps that would be taken to manage them if they occurred.

The article also emphasizes the importance of postoperative care. Dr. Gould sees his surgical patients the first night after their procedure, allowing him to evaluate their early recovery, assess comfort and mobility, and identify potential complications as soon as possible. This reflects his broader view that a surgeon’s responsibility extends beyond the procedure itself.

Patients should also ask exactly what their aftercare includes. Depending on the practice and procedure, postoperative support may extend beyond routine follow-up appointments to treatments designed to support healing and recovery. Dr. Gould notes that the important point is transparency. Patients should understand what is included in their surgical plan and what additional care they may need to arrange independently.

Finally, Dr. Gould encourages patients to have an open conversation about revisions and expectations before surgery. No surgeon can guarantee a perfect outcome, and even carefully performed procedures may occasionally require a touch-up or revision. Understanding how frequently this occurs, how the surgeon approaches revisions, and what costs may be involved gives patients a clearer picture of the complete surgical experience before making their decision.

Read the full article in Marie Claire:
https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/skincare/questions-to-ask-your-plastic-surgeon/