Why Questions Matter
A good surgeon welcomes questions—they demonstrate you're a serious, informed patient. How a surgeon responds tells you as much as what they say. Defensive, rushed, or vague answers are red flags.
Most Medellín surgeons offer free virtual consultations via WhatsApp video. This is your chance to evaluate not just their qualifications, but their communication style, honesty, and how they'll treat you as a patient. Come prepared.
Questions by Category
Credentials & Experience
"Are you certified by SCCP (Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica)?"
This is non-negotiable. SCCP certification means 4–5 years of specialized residency training after medical school.
Good answer: "Yes, I'm a full member. You can verify at cirugiaplastica.org.co"
"How many [specific procedure] have you performed?"
Experience matters. You want a surgeon who has done your procedure hundreds of times, not dozens.
Good answer: A specific number, ideally 200+ for common procedures. Willingness to discuss experience openly.
"What is your complication rate for this procedure?"
Every surgeon has complications—it's part of surgery. You want honesty, not claims of perfection.
Good answer: Specific percentages, acknowledgment that complications occur, explanation of how they're handled.
Red flag: "I've never had a complication" — Either lying or hasn't done many procedures.
"Can I see before-and-after photos of patients similar to me?"
Results vary by body type. You want to see patients with your starting point, not just their best outcomes.
Good answer: Willingness to share multiple examples. Photos at various healing stages, not just final results.
Facility & Safety
"Where will surgery be performed? Is it accredited?"
Accredited facilities have emergency equipment, proper monitoring, and meet safety standards.
Good answer: Named facility + specific accreditation (JCI, ICONTEC, Habilitación). Can verify independently.
"Who administers anesthesia? What are their credentials?"
Should be a board-certified anesthesiologist (S.C.A.R.E. member in Colombia), not a nurse anesthetist for major procedures.
Good answer: Named anesthesiologist with credentials. Part of dedicated team.
"Do you have hospital privileges for emergencies?"
If complications arise, you need a clear path to hospital care. Surgeons should have admitting privileges or transfer agreements.
Good answer: Yes, with specific hospital named. Clear emergency protocol.
Procedure Specifics
"What technique will you use and why?"
A good surgeon explains their approach and tailors it to your anatomy and goals, not a one-size-fits-all method.
Good answer: Detailed explanation of technique with reasoning specific to your case.
"What are the risks specific to my case?"
Risks vary by patient. A surgeon who discusses your specific risk factors (BMI, smoking history, previous surgeries) is being thorough.
Good answer: Personalized risk assessment, not just generic list from a pamphlet.
"What results can I realistically expect?"
Realistic expectations are crucial. A surgeon who oversells is a red flag.
Good answer: Honest assessment including limitations. Discussion of what surgery can and cannot achieve.
Red flag: "I can give you exactly what you want" or "Guaranteed results"
"Am I a good candidate for this procedure?"
A good surgeon tells you NO when appropriate. If they say yes to everyone regardless of health or anatomy, be concerned.
Good answer: Honest assessment. May suggest alternatives, weight loss first, or different procedure entirely.
Logistics & Aftercare
"What does the total cost include? What's NOT included?"
Get itemized pricing in writing: surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, implants/materials, garments, follow-ups, medications.
Good answer: Detailed written breakdown. Transparency about extras not included.
"What happens if there's a complication?"
Understand the policy BEFORE surgery. What's covered? Who pays for revisions? What about after you return home?
Good answer: Written policy. Most cover revision surgery within certain timeframe. Clear 24/7 contact for emergencies.
"How will I communicate with you after I return home?"
Recovery continues long after you leave Colombia. Ongoing access to your surgeon is essential.
Good answer: WhatsApp video calls, quick response times, no time limit on follow-up questions.
"What should I do to prepare for surgery?"
Pre-operative instructions should be detailed and specific: when to stop medications, smoking cessation timeline, lab work needed.
Good answer: Written pre-op instructions, specific timeline, clear requirements.
Red Flags During Consultation
Walk Away If:
- ✗ No before-and-after photos available — Experience should be demonstrable
- ✗ Vague or dismissive answers — Questions should be welcomed
- ✗ Pressure to book immediately — "Limited spots" or "special pricing today only"
- ✗ Unwillingness to show credentials — Verification should be easy
- ✗ Promising "guaranteed" or "perfect" results — Surgery has inherent variability
- ✗ "Menu" pricing without assessment — Quotes should be personalized
- ✗ Rushing through consultation — You should feel heard
- ✗ Claims of "never having complications" — Either lying or inexperienced
Good Signs
- ✓ Takes time to understand your goals
- ✓ Discusses realistic expectations AND limitations
- ✓ Transparent about risks
- ✓ Clear post-op plan and communication protocol
- ✓ Verifiable on SCCP website
- ✓ Reviews show consistent positive patterns
- ✓ Willing to say NO if you're not a good candidate