Why This Matters
Your consultation is a job interview—except you're hiring the surgeon. The questions you ask and how they're answered will tell you more about your surgeon's competence and character than any marketing material. A good surgeon welcomes thorough questioning.
Most consultations in Medellín happen via video call (WhatsApp or Zoom) before you arrive. This is your opportunity to evaluate multiple surgeons before committing. Ask these questions to every surgeon you're considering.
Question Categories
Credentials & Experience
"Are you certified by SCCP (Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery)?"
This is the non-negotiable credential in Colombia. SCCP certification means 4-5 year specialized residency after medical school.
Good answer: "Yes, and you can verify my membership at cirugiaplastica.org.co. My certification number is [number]."
Red flag: Vague response, claims of "cosmetic surgery" training instead, or inability to provide verification.
"How many [specific procedure] have you performed?"
Experience matters. You want someone who has done your specific procedure many times.
Good answer: Specific number (e.g., "I've performed over 500 BBLs in the past 5 years"). Experienced surgeons know their numbers.
Red flag: "Many" or "lots" without specifics. Inability to give even a rough number.
"What is your complication rate for this procedure?"
All surgery carries risk. Honest surgeons acknowledge this and track their outcomes.
Good answer: Specific percentage with context (e.g., "My complication rate for BBL is about 3%, mostly minor issues like asymmetry that we address in follow-up").
Red flag: "I've never had a complication" or "Zero problems." This is either a lie or inadequate tracking.
"Can I see before-and-after photos of patients similar to me?"
Results vary by body type. You need to see outcomes on patients with similar starting points.
Good answer: "Absolutely, let me show you [multiple examples]. Here's someone with a similar build/age/concern." Should have extensive portfolio.
Red flag: Limited photos, only showing "best" results, or only showing patients very different from you.
Facility & Safety
"Where will surgery be performed? Is the facility accredited?"
Accredited facilities meet safety standards. JCI or ICONTEC accreditation indicates quality protocols.
Good answer: Names specific facility (e.g., "InterQuirófanos, which is JCI-accredited") and welcomes you to verify.
Red flag: Vague about location, operates out of non-clinical space, or dismisses accreditation as "just paperwork."
"Do you have hospital privileges for emergencies?"
If something goes wrong, you need access to a hospital. Surgeons should have admitting privileges.
Good answer: "Yes, I have privileges at [Hospital Name]. In an emergency, we'd transfer there immediately."
Red flag: No hospital affiliation or unclear emergency protocols.
"Who administers anesthesia? What are their credentials?"
Anesthesia is high-risk. You want a board-certified anesthesiologist, not a nurse or assistant.
Good answer: "A board-certified anesthesiologist who is a member of S.C.A.R.E. (Colombian anesthesiology society). I can provide their name."
Red flag: Nurse anesthetist, unclear credentials, or surgeon claims to manage anesthesia themselves.
"What is your policy on combined procedures and operative time limits?"
Responsible surgeons follow the 6-hour rule for elective procedures. Longer surgeries increase complication risk.
Good answer: "I limit surgery to 6 hours maximum. If your desired procedures exceed that, we'd stage them across multiple sessions."
Red flag: Willing to do 8+ hour surgeries, or "we can do everything you want in one session" without mentioning time limits.
Your Procedure
"What technique will you use and why?"
Surgeons should be able to explain their approach in terms you understand.
Good answer: Explains specific technique, why it's appropriate for your case, and alternatives considered.
Red flag: Unable to explain clearly, one-size-fits-all approach, or annoyed by the question.
"What are the specific risks for my case?"
General risks are one thing; your individual risk factors matter more.
Good answer: Discusses risks specific to your anatomy, health history, or combination of procedures. Shows they've actually assessed your case.
Red flag: Generic risk list without personalization, or minimizing risks ("nothing to worry about").
"What results can I realistically expect?"
Honest surgeons set realistic expectations and discuss limitations.
Good answer: Discusses what's achievable with your anatomy, mentions limitations, shows realistic before/afters of similar patients.
Red flag: Promises "perfect" results, shows only dramatic transformations, or agrees to unrealistic goals.
"Am I a good candidate for this procedure?"
A good surgeon will tell you NO if you're not a good candidate. If they say yes to everyone, be concerned.
Good answer: Honest assessment, may say "yes but..." with caveats, or "no, because..." with explanation and alternatives.
Red flag: Automatic "yes" without reviewing your photos/history, or agrees to everything you want without pushback.
Logistics & Aftercare
"What does the total cost include? What's NOT included?"
Get itemized costs in writing. Surprises after surgery are unacceptable.
Good answer: Detailed breakdown: surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, implants (if applicable), garments, follow-ups. Clear about what's extra.
Red flag: Round numbers without breakdown, hidden fees revealed later, or reluctance to put quote in writing.
"What happens if there's a complication? What's your revision policy?"
Complications happen. Know the plan before you need it.
Good answer: Clear policy: "I cover my surgical fee for revisions within [timeframe]. You'd pay facility/anesthesia." Get this in writing.
Red flag: No clear policy, "we'll figure it out," or suggests complications are your problem.
"How will I communicate with you after I return home?"
Post-op access should extend beyond your trip. You need support once you're back in the U.S.
Good answer: "WhatsApp video calls are standard. I'm available for questions for [timeframe]. Here's how to reach me urgently."
Red flag: Communication ends when you leave Medellín, or no clear way to reach them.
Red Flags During Consultation
Walk Away If You See These
- ✗ Pressure to book immediately — "This price is only available today" is a manipulation tactic
- ✗ Defensive or dismissive responses — Good surgeons welcome questions
- ✗ Unable to verify credentials — If they can't prove SCCP membership, stop there
- ✗ Promises guaranteed results — No surgery has guaranteed outcomes
- ✗ Very limited before/after photos — Experienced surgeons have extensive portfolios
- ✗ Says "yes" to everything — A good surgeon should push back on unrealistic goals
- ✗ Consultation feels rushed — Your surgery deserves thorough discussion
Consultation Tips
- • Consult with at least 2-3 surgeons before deciding
- • Take your time—never let anyone rush you
- • Take notes during the call or record (with permission)
- • Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is
- • Get everything in writing before paying any deposit
- • Verify credentials independently after the call