Most patients who go in for a little nip n' tuck to look younger or enhance their assets are happy with the outcome, but many wish they did their homework before the procedure.

A new survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that an alarming low 28 percent of plastic surgery patients actually check up on their surgeon's credentials.

Furthermore, the poll found that while 91 percent of patients said they knew what to expect before their procedure, less than half could remember being told about the potential risks and side effects of the surgery.

“This study suggests patients are not as aware as they should be when it comes to understanding possible side effects and complications after surgery,” said ASPS president Dr. Roxanne Guy.

You Can't Afford to Be Nonchalant

Although 80 percent of the 617 cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patients polled said they were pleased with the results of their surgery, nearly 40 percent claim they wished they had done more research. Additionally, more than 50 percent of patients said they were worried about the possible risks and side effects, but were too uncomfortable discussing it with their surgeon.

According to Guy and other plastic surgeons, it is essential that every plastic surgery patient does a background check of their doctor and becomes educated about the procedure and possible side effects. “You can afford to be nonchalant about some things, but surgery is not one of them.”

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