Do You Need a Plastic Surgery Procedure Consultation

You’re probably wondering what a cosmetic surgery consultation will involve if you’ve never had one before. Well, for a start, it’s not as daunting as you might think. In fact, a meeting with a plastic surgeon gives you the opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve from the procedure and enables you to find out more about what will happen to you before, during and after the operation. If you want to be fully prepared for your initial appointment, here’s a summary of what to expect.

Once you arrive at the clinic, you will be met by the front office staff. Just let them know who you are and which doctor you have an appointment with, and they will check your details on the system and confirm you have arrived. Before you sit in the waiting area, you may be asked to complete some paperwork. This usually involves answering a series of questions about your medical history and lifestyle.

Before you meet with the surgeon, you will first be greeted by the medical assistants. Their role is to get you settled in and review your medical history so that they can pass on any important details to the doctor. They are thorough and will ask you lots of questions, such as whether you are taking any medication or supplements. They may also ask if you have taken any recreational drugs, but know that they aren’t there to judge you. They just want to ensure your safety.

Now it’s time to meet with the surgeon. This is the time to discuss:

• What you want to change about your body, and why you want to change it.
• What you hope to achieve if you decide to go ahead with the procedure.
• Which procedures, if any, will help you achieve what you want.
• What the surgery involves. This will include the type of anesthetic, incision and also the recovery time.
• The possible risks associated with the surgery.
• Your medical history and any concerns you have at all.
• Ask the surgeon about her/his credentials. How long has she/he been a cosmetic surgeon for and how many of these procedures has she/he performed?
• Also, ask if she/he is board certified. If she/he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it’s a good sign they are reputable.

The surgeon will have a look at your area of concern. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, she/he will leave the room while you change into a robe and then return to examine you. All examinations typically involve taking measurements and photos of the part of your body you want to enhance. If you’re feeling a little awkward about this, you don’t need to worry. The surgeon will put you at ease and let you know what can be realistically achieved through cosmetic surgery.

Your patient coordinator works with you and the clinic to ensure that all of your questions are addressed promptly as you consider your options before surgery, and throughout the whole process. Your patient coordinator will also schedule convenient appointments for you at the clinic.

It’s likely that you have thoroughly researched the procedure you want and already know how much the clinic charges for it, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the price before you arrange to have the procedure.

Now that you know what to expect from your cosmetic surgery consultation, you can put your mind at rest and prepare for your appointment.