A consultation is a crucial step in your plastic surgery experience and gives you a chance to evaluate a potential plastic surgeon, explore procedures that will give you the results you are looking for, discuss potential risks and begin planning for the big day. But what should you expect and how can you prepare? Let’s take a look.
What Is Covered in a Plastic Surgery Consultation?
During your consultation, you will have the chance to meet with the medical staff and the plastic surgeon. You will discuss:
- Medical history
- Cosmetic goals
- How you feel about your body
- Which procedures will work best
- What kind of results are expected
- What’s involved during the procedures and recovery
- Possible complications and risks
- Costs and potential financing options.
This is a time to get to know the plastic surgeon and ask any questions you may have. Plastic surgery is a big step, so feeling comfortable with your plastic surgeon is essential.
What Will Happen During the Consultation?
In addition to talking with the physician and medical staff, your consultation will likely include a physical examination. An examination gives the plastic surgeon the chance to evaluate your current body structure and recommend procedures that will help you achieve your goals.
What Should You Do to Prepare?
When it comes to your consultation, being prepared is key. Dress in comfortable clothes since you will need to be able to change easily for the examination. If you are considering breast augmentation, one tip is to bring a few extra tops or outfits. Your plastic surgeon may have you try on sizers and having additional shirts will allow you to see how your new breast size will look.
Bring your medical history information and have questions ready to ask. As your consultation approaches, write down everything you think of so when the day comes, you don’t forget.
Questions to Ask the Plastic Surgeon
No doubt you will have a lot of questions. Don’t be shy about asking them! It is important that you fully understand everything about your plastic surgery procedure and that you feel comfortable. Here are a few consultation questions to get you started:
- What are your credentials?
- How often do you perform the procedure I’m interested in?
- Where will the procedure take place?
- Who will administer anesthesia?
- What complications and risks are possible?
- How long is the typical recovery period?
- When will I see results?
After the Consultation
After meeting with the doctor, the office staff should be able to prepare a cost estimate for the procedure or procedures you are considering. Any reputable office will not put pressure on you to decide about surgery on the day of your consultation. Review the quote, think about your options, and take the time you need to make the best choice.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for you is essential. Consider your consultation a job interview and be sure that the plastic surgeon meets your expectations and that you feel comfortable. If not, don’t feel shy about looking around and meeting with other plastic surgeons. A few extra hours of your time is a small tradeoff to make sure you are getting the best fit for your plastic surgery procedure.
Author Bio
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly-trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, his specialties include tummy tucks; liposuction; breast augmentation, lifts, and reduction; facelifts; upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), as well as a variety of non-surgical aesthetic procedures. He is best known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.