Choosing to have plastic surgery is one of the most significant decisions you will make. The consultation isn’t just a formality — it’s your opportunity to assess whether a surgeon is truly the right fit for you, to understand exactly what a procedure involves, and to feel genuinely confident before moving forward.
At Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa, Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino, MD, FACS, is known for open, thorough consultations where patient education comes first. Below is the complete list of questions every patient should ask — and why each one matters.
1. Are You Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
This is the single most important question, and it should be asked before you even book the appointment. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery — confirms that your surgeon has completed six or more years of rigorous surgical training, passed comprehensive written and oral examinations, and is held to ongoing safety and ethics standards.
Be cautious of vague language like ‘board certified’ without specifying which board. Some for-profit organizations offer certifications with far fewer requirements. Dr. Antimarino is board certified by the ABPS and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) — credentials that reflect the highest standard of plastic surgical training.
2. How Often Do You Perform This Specific Procedure?
General surgical experience matters, but experience with your specific procedure matters more. A surgeon who regularly performs the surgery you’re considering will be more familiar with technical nuances, more practiced at managing complications, and more likely to deliver consistent, natural-looking results.
Ask for approximate numbers — not just ‘frequently,’ but how many times in the past year, and how many total. At Bellissimo, Dr. Antimarino focuses his practice on a defined range of procedures so that his patients benefit from deep, specialized expertise.
3. Can I See Before-and-After Photos of Similar Patients?
Before-and-after photos are one of the most useful tools you have for evaluating a surgeon’s aesthetic eye and skill. When reviewing photos, look for patients who share similar body types, facial features, or starting points to yours — not just the most dramatic transformations.
It is equally important to understand that healing varies. Genetics, age, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use, and nutritional status all influence how a patient heals and how results appear over time. A transparent surgeon will discuss this with you directly. You can explore Dr. Antimarino’s patient gallery at bellissimoplasticsurgery.com/gallery/.
4. What Are the Risks, and How Do You Manage Complications?
Every surgical procedure carries risk. A trustworthy surgeon won’t minimize this — they will walk you through the specific risks associated with your procedure, explain what steps are taken to reduce them, and be honest about how complications are handled if they arise.
Ask specifically about anesthesia: what type will be used (general or local with sedation), who will administer it, and how you will be monitored. Your anesthesia provider should be a board-certified anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Dr. Antimarino will review all of this with you in detail during your consultation.
5. What Is the Full Cost Breakdown — and Are Financing Options Available?
Cost is a practical and legitimate question. A complete quote should include the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and post-operative care. Ask whether follow-up appointments are included and whether revision surgery, if ever needed, carries additional costs.
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. However, Bellissimo offers flexible financing options to make your goals accessible. Ask about current financing programs during your consultation or visit bellissimoplasticsurgery.com/financing/ for more information.
6. What Does Recovery Look Like for My Procedure?
Understanding the recovery timeline is essential for planning — work leave, childcare, help at home, and activity restrictions all need to be factored in before you commit. Your surgeon should give you a realistic picture of what to expect week by week.
Ask specifically: How much time should I take off work? When can I drive? When can I exercise? What post-operative care will I need, and will I need someone to assist me? At Bellissimo, you will receive detailed written post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure.
7. Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives — and Are They Right for Me?
A surgeon with your best interest at heart will present the full spectrum of options — including whether a non-surgical approach might achieve a meaningful result. This is especially relevant for patients in early stages of aging or those seeking subtle enhancement.
For some goals, injectables, devices, or a combination approach through Bellissimo’s Medi Spa may be appropriate first steps. For others, surgery delivers results that no non-surgical treatment can replicate. Dr. Antimarino will give you an honest assessment based on your anatomy, goals, and health history.
8. Who Performs the Surgery — and Who Is in the Operating Room?
This question surprises many patients, but it is essential. At some practices, the surgeon you consult with is not the one who performs your operation. Always confirm that Dr. Antimarino will personally perform the procedure and ask who else will be present in the operating room.
Knowing your surgical team in advance allows you to feel fully informed and ensures continuity of care from consultation through recovery.
9. Where Is the Procedure Performed — Is the Facility Accredited?
The setting in which your surgery is performed matters for safety. Accredited surgical facilities are inspected for cleanliness, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness. Ask whether your procedure will be performed in a hospital, an ambulatory surgery center, or an in-office operating suite — and confirm accreditation status.
Bellissimo Plastic Surgery operates from fully equipped, accredited surgical facilities. Your safety and comfort throughout the process are priorities from the moment you walk in.
10. What Should I Watch For During Recovery — and When Do I Call?
Every patient should leave their consultation knowing exactly what normal recovery looks like and what symptoms warrant a call to the office. Signs such as excessive swelling, unusual pain, fever, or changes at the incision site should never be second-guessed.
Dr. Antimarino’s team is accessible throughout your recovery. You will receive clear guidance on follow-up appointments, what to monitor, and how to reach the practice with any concerns.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Yourself Before the Consultation
Coming prepared makes the consultation more productive. Consider writing down:
- What specific change or outcome am I hoping for?
- What is my timeline — is this the right time in my life for surgery?
- Do I have a realistic understanding of what surgery can and cannot achieve?
- Am I making this decision for myself, free from outside pressure?
- Do I have a support system for the recovery period?
Red Flags to Watch for During a Consultation
A high-quality consultation should feel like an informed, two-way conversation — not a sales presentation. If any of the following occur, consider it a warning sign.
- The surgeon cannot clearly confirm ABPS board certification
- You feel rushed or your questions are dismissed
- Unrealistic results are promised or ‘guaranteed’
- You are pressured to book or offered ‘today only’ discounts
- The consultation is conducted by a staff member rather than the surgeon
- Risks and complications are glossed over or minimized
- Before-and-after photos show only dramatic results with no representative range
What to Expect at a Bellissimo Consultation
At Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa, consultations are conducted personally by Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino. He will review your goals, perform a physical assessment, discuss all relevant procedure options, and give you a clear, honest recommendation — including whether surgery is the right choice for you at this time.
Our team is friendly, accessible, and committed to making sure every patient leaves feeling informed and comfortable. We also offer virtual consultations for patients who prefer to start the conversation from home.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation!
