The ten questions
- How many of these procedures do you do per year? — Volume matters; below ~50 cases/year for any specific procedure raises questions about familiarity with edge cases.
- What's your revision rate? — Honest answer is in the 3–5% range. "Zero" is a lie.
- Tell me about a case that didn't go as planned. — Surgeons who claim never to have had unexpected outcomes are either inexperienced or dishonest.
- What technique do you recommend for my case, and why specifically? — "Subciliary" is an answer. "Subciliary because your lower lid has X laxity and Y skin redundancy, and transconjunctival wouldn't address your skin" is a better answer.
- What happens if I'm not happy with the result? — Should be a clear, written policy.
- Who answers my message at 11 PM the night after surgery? — The answer should be a name, not "our team."
- What anaesthesia do you use, who delivers it, and where is the surgery performed? — Anaesthesia by anaesthesiologist, surgery in accredited hospital — these should be specific.
- How do you decide between transconjunctival and subciliary for lower bleph? — Tests technical judgement. Should be a real algorithm, not "I just do what looks best."
- What's your policy on revision if I need it? — Surgical fee waived within 12 months for surgical-side issues is standard for good surgeons.
- Will you tell me if I'm not a good candidate? — Specifically: ask "in what cases would you decline to operate?" If the answer is "almost never," concerning.
What the answers tell you
A surgeon who answers these comfortably, specifically, and without defensive language is demonstrating:
- Technical confidence based on experience
- Honesty about limitations and complications
- Clear thinking about why specific techniques fit specific patients
- A real practice infrastructure (not solo with no backup)
- Willingness to decline cases that aren't appropriate
A surgeon who deflects, generalises, or sells should be a warning sign — regardless of how good the portfolio looks.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask to speak with a previous patient?
Reasonable for late-stage decisions. A good practice can arrange this with selected previous patients who have agreed.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information about blepharoplasty and reflects the clinical opinions of Doç. Dr. Erdal. It does not constitute medical advice for any individual patient. Results vary; all surgery carries risk. Blepharoplasty in some cases produces irreversible changes to eyelid anatomy. Suitability is determined only through personal consultation with full medical history disclosure.
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