Deciding on plastic surgery is a serious step and one that requires advanced planning. The first step before getting surgery is a consultation with the surgeon who will explain how the procedure works and what results to expect. This is a crucial meeting that will make all the difference in your surgery’s outcome, so it pays to prepare for this consultation.
Do Your Research
There may be more than one procedure available for your desired outcome, so researching the procedure will help you to narrow down which one you want to discuss with the surgeon. This will save time in the consultation as you will only have a limited time during the consultation. Find answers to frequently asked questions in advance and get answers to those so you can concentrate on getting more in-depth with the surgeon during the consultation. Common questions to research in advance include how much time it will take to recover, the requirements for surgery, and questions about insurance and financing.
Some websites allow actual patients to post their reviews and photos of their procedures with a particular doctor. Read up on the doctor beforehand to get an idea of what to expect. You may also want to talk to more than one surgeon so that you are in a better position to get started right away if you are satisfied after the consultation.
Bring Photos
Some people have a certain look in mind, so it helps to bring photos of exactly what you hope to achieve. In some cases, the surgeon will be able to match the photos exactly, while in others, he may be able to come close to the desired look with a few modifications. The key here is that you and the surgeon are on the same page about what look you want to achieve. Peruse the surgeon’s website for photos of her past work and reference those in your consultation.
Keep an Open Mind
Surgeons work on all types of bodies, and results vary from person to person. They may have photos of their previous work, but it may look different on your body. When thinking about the look you want to achieve, consider factors like your body composition, age, and health. These factors will affect what the surgeon can perform and what the results will be like.
Remember that your plastic surgeon is there to work with you to achieve the body you want. Listen to his suggestions and understand that even though you may have your mindset on one procedure, there may be another one that better fits your needs. Your surgeon may make suggestions that you have not considered, so keep an open mind and trust his expertise.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Medical History
Your surgeon will want to know about your previous surgeries, medications, and family history, so come prepared with this information. Your surgeon’s office staff may allow you to fill out this information in advance so you can come ready to discuss your history with your surgeon.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
This tip applies more to body plastic surgery than to facial surgery, but it is helpful to wear clothing that allows the doctor to examine you during the consultation. Wear clothing that will allow you to disrobe easily. Choose undergarments that you are comfortable wearing in front of the surgeon so that she can easily examine you to get a better idea of the type of procedure you will undergo.
Bring a List of Questions
Ask questions to help you gain a better understanding of the surgery, the surgeon, and his practice. There are some common questions that most people ask during their consultation.
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- How many of these procedures do you perform, on average?
- What are the risks or common side effects of this procedure?
- Do you hold any board certifications? If so, what are they?
- Where will you perform the surgery? In this office? Or in another location?
- Do you have privileges at a nearby hospital? Which hospital do you hold privileges?
- Will I be able to meet the team beforehand?
- What type of anesthesia will you use for this procedure? Local or general?
- Who is on the surgical staff and what are their credentials?
- How do you handle emergencies that arise during surgery?
- What precautions do you take against Covid-19?
- What kind of follow-up care will I receive?
Financial Issues to Consider During the Consultation
In many cases, you will have an additional meeting with the financial team separately from the surgeon. It may be helpful to schedule both of these consultations for the same day so that you can get started right away. During this consultation, ask questions about the process of paying for your procedure.
Some surgeons require a deposit before scheduling surgery. Find out during the consultation if this is the case. You may also want to ask if the surgeon accepts your insurance or works with medical lenders to finance the surgery.
The initial consultation is a critical part of the cosmetic surgery process. The New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is a highly rated, board-certified facility with more than a decade of work in facial rejuvenation, minimally invasive surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. We pride ourselves on natural-looking results delivered by a team of caring professionals. Contact us today for your consultation.