How To Get The Most From Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Choosing the best plastic surgeon for you can be difficult. You may “shop” around for months before you find the perfect fit for you. It is a long process but well worth it in the end when you have had a successful experience and outstanding results! When you schedule a consultation with a surgeon, it is important to get the most out of your visit. You want to look for someone who you can trust, someone who you can communicate with easily and someone who has extensive knowledge about the procedure you are going to have. This first consultation gives you the opportunity to “interview” the surgeon to see if he or she meets your criteria.

Do Your Research Before You Go

Most likely, there are several plastic surgeons in your area, so it is important to research your choice carefully. Spend some time on the internet, checking out their website and reading reviews from past clients. Many plastic surgeons will have direct access to testimonials from past patients on their website so that you can get a better idea of their track record before your consultation.

Another great research tool is word of mouth. Ask around! Don’t be shy or nervous to ask your hairdresser, your dentist or your group of friends for recommendations! Even if they haven’t gotten a procedure themselves, most likely they will know someone who has. Try to find several people who you trust and who you know will give you an honest and accurate opinion.

Ask, Answer and Listen Closely

Be prepared for an in-depth conversation between you and your plastic surgeon. He or she is going to have lots of questions for you and you should come prepared with lots of questions for them. Most surgeons will want a comprehensive health history, including past surgeries, current and past medications and a list of any serious medical conditions that may prevent you from having a cosmetic procedure.

Not sure what should be on your list of questions? Let’s look at the most commonly asked questions:

• How long will my recovery time last?
• What are the risks associated with my procedure?
• What will my aftercare look like? Such as frequency of follow-up appointments and type of emergency care offered.
• Can I see before and after photos of patients that have had the same type of procedure I am looking to get? (Make sure they are photos of actual patients that the surgeon has treated and not stock images!)
• How much is my procedure going to cost?

Now that you know what to ask, don’t forget how to ask! You want to go down your list slowly. Give your surgeon plenty of time to answer and take notes! It is hard to remember everything you talk about in such a short period of time. Elaborate on the answer, asking questions until you understand completely what is being said. Turn off your cell phone and leave the kids with a babysitter so you can fully concentrate on your conversation. You may also consider taking your spouse or a friend with you so they can listen also and pick up on items you may have missed.

Be Honest

This sounds simple, but when faced with a tough question that may cause your procedure to be put on hold, it may seem easier to fib a little. This is not okay. Your doctor needs to know about every medical condition you may have, even mental or emotional conditions. If you smoke, you need to admit it. Not quite at your weight goal, you need to fess up. You are going to want a surgeon who is truthful with you, and you will want to extend the same courtesy to them. This will make your entire process go much smoother!

You should try to visit at least three surgeons before making a decision. Use your consultation to get the answers to your questions and to see if you connect well with the surgeon. You should be able to make your decision easier if you utilize your time and concentrate your focus on getting to know your surgeon. If you would like more information about how to choose a plastic surgeon or about a specific cosmetic procedure, please feel free to contact our office today for a free consultation with our board certified plastic surgeon!