Coming to the decision to have plastic surgery is an important step. Whether it be something minor like a facelift or something entirely new like a breast enhancement, it all begins with a plastic surgery consultation. The consultation is not obligatory; it’s your chance to get expert opinions, establish achievable expectations, and be as educated as possible regarding a big body and health choice.
A successful consultation is the groundwork for a good surgical experience. It’s your opportunity to have an in-depth discussion of your worries, come up with the best strategies for making your desired outcome happen, and be totally clear about the procedure, the risks, and the recovery.
The better prepared you are, the more at ease you will feel about the decision you are making.In this guide, we will take you through all you need to know about a surgery consultation (how to find the right surgeon, which plastic surgery questions to ask, how to prepare for surgery, etc.). If you have never sought cosmetic surgery or have had previous procedures, this will be a useful guide to understanding how to navigate through the process.
Why a Plastic Surgery Consultation is the Most Important Step in Your Journey
The consultation is not only a moment to discuss the surgical procedure in question. It is also a moment to assess whether you are a suitable candidate, as well as a fit for your surgeon. The appointment will help establish your expectations based on what is medically and cosmetically achievable, as well as your safety and satisfaction.
During the consultation, the surgeon will:
- Review your medical history and overall health.
- Talk about your aesthetic and cosmetic goals.
- Go over the benefits, risks, and expectations of your recovery from the procedure.
For example, When you are seeking rhinoplasty surgery your surgeon will be looking at your nasal structure, breathing difficulties and even your skin type, to come up with the best surgical plan for you. The surgeon will direct you to what your surgery would be, even if some of your logical expectations cannot be met.
After your consultation, you should feel confident in the procedure itself (what was discussed in the consultation), what the expected results will be, and what the recovery process will involve.
How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon for Your Needs
Not all surgeons are the same, and it is important to choose the right oneAn educated and trained surgeon can help you achieve a successful surgical outcome, and a poor choice will not. A good surgeon not only has the skills to operate, but is also able to freely communicate, and fully answer your questions and concerns. You are more important than your surgery, and your comfort and well-being are important, in a very positive way a surgeon’s training and ability are critically important. So take your time to research and be smart about your decision.
Here’s what to look for:
- Certification by a Board – Verify the surgeon’s certification by an appropriate Board
- Experience with Your Operation – A surgeon may be a specialist in breast augmentation, but that does not mean they are the appropriate choice to perform your surgery if you want facial reconstruction.
- Before-and-After Photos – It’s always good when the surgeon can show a few consistent, and natural results from their patients.
For instance, if you are considering facelift surgery, ensure the surgeon can provide you with pictures of individuals whose patient’s face shape structure is similar to your own. This way, you would at least have an idea of what you may potentially look like after the surgery. An excellent surgeon does not only execute the surgery; they also converse, educate and assure that their patient feels comfortable proceeding with that decision first.
How to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Consultation Like a Pro
It is important to consider planning for the surgery consultation so that you can get the most out of your appointment. By preparing appropriate questions and a thorough medical history, your chance of having all your questions answered will be greater. It is your chance to ask questions and obtain information about the procedure you are thinking about, the structure of the risks, and what you can expect preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. The more prepared you are, the better your exploration into surgery will be and the more information you will receive to allow you to make an informed decision with confidence.
What to Bring to Your Consultation:
- A list of medications you are on, allergies, and past surgical history.
- List of your questions involving the procedure, risks, and the recovery process.
- Pictures or references of your desired results.
Important Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon:
- What results can I expect?
- What are the risks, and what will happen if I develop complications?
- How long is the recovery process?
As an instance, should you be investigating liposuction, you are likely assessing skin quality and potentially the degree of scarring related to the surgical process; these considerations would help shape your reasonable expectations.
Taking the time to prepare for your consultation will be extremely helpful–you will leave knowing more about your situation, being more prone to selecting an operative option, and will be very well informed about your current condition
What Happens During a Plastic Surgery Consultation? Step-by-Step Breakdown
A consultation for plastic surgery is your opportunity to ask any questions regarding the surgery, but also to learn about the procedure, and to feel comfortable with the process. The consultation also gives your surgeon the chance to determine if your case is appropriate for surgery while you learn about the surgery you will be having. This is what typically happens:
- Discussion of Goals: Your surgeon will inquire about your goals in terms of results and your particular concerns, if you are hoping for surgery and past operations you may have had.
- Physical Examination: This will assist your surgeon with the plan of action for surgery that is based on your body type, skin elasticity, and general health, and the surgeon may take measurements and/or pictures for themselves.
- Procedure explanation: The surgeon will explain the different surgical techniques, which anesthetic option, the possible risks, and the timeframe for which recovery to expect.
They may also show you before and after photographs of similar patients.The example being if you are to have a tummy tuck, the surgeon may pinch you the places where you have loose skin, assess muscle separation, and determine if you would have a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck.
Understanding the Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget
Before agreeing to any cosmetic surgery it is helpful to have an understanding of costs you can expect to incur. It is an investment in yourself and also financially. Being aware of your monetary commitment enables you to have better peace of mind while preparing for other payment methods to alleviate financial stress.
Considering that most procedures are considered elective, the cost will usually not be covered by insurance unless it is determined to be medically necessary, as is the case in reconstructive surgery due to an accident, mastectomy, etc
Important cost factors are:
- Surgeons experience and locale: Board-certified surgeons with a considerable amount of experience will in most cases charge more compared to younger, less experienced surgeons, and the price of surgery will vary depending on the demand in the city for the procedure.
- Type of procedure and complexity: An eyelid lift is significantly less expensive than a full body lift or “mommy makeover.”
- Hospital, anesthesia, and follow-up care: The cost for an accredited surgical facility along with the costs for anesthesia and follow-up care can really add up.
For instance, getting breast implants in a large city like Los Angeles or New York will likely cost much more than it would in a smaller city largely due to demand, overhead, and the prestige of the surgeon.
Financing Options and Payment PlansSome clinics will have payment plans or work with third party financing companies to help afford the surgery.
Ask about options such as:
- Monthly installment plans.
- Medical credit cards like CareCredit.
- Discount for full payment upfront.
Knowing your financial commitment beforehand, enables you to focus on your goals and enjoy the experience!
How to Make the Right Decision After Your Consultation
Going straight into surgery is not a wise option. Please take time to consider all of the information talked about in the consultation prior to deciding to go ahead
Red Flags:
- Pressure to book you right away.
- Vague or unclear answers to questions you have about your plastic surgery.
- Lack of before and after images or patient testimonials.
Trust your gut if something feels morally questionable. Securing a second will always be a possibility for you and a means of relieving any fear of moving forward.
What Comes Next? Preparing for Surgery and Recovery
Now that you’ve made the decision to move forward, it’s time to prepare your mind and body for the procedure. The time you spend preparing to have surgery will be valuable to your recovery, reduce complications and to multiplication lift outcome. If you follow the pre-operative instructions you surgeon gives as simply as possible, your recovery will be even easier.
Pre-Surgical Preparation:
- Adhere to any dietary or medication suggestions made by your physician before surgery: You will sometimes be advised to stop medication, stop smoking or change your diet to aid in your recovery.
- Arrange for time off work or a caregiver after surgery: Recovery time will vary between patients so prepare for your recovery time, with plenty of time for rest and support for tasks of daily living as needed.
- Have mental preparation time for your recovery: swelling, bruising, or slight temporary discomfort is expected. Knowing that will help you remain calm and keep realistic expectations as your body heals.
For example, in the case of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), your surgeon may prohibit you from sitting directly onto your buttocks for several weeks post-operation. In the case of facial procedures, you may have to sleep elevated in bed to assist with swelling.
If you have a strong support system at home, a comfortable space to recover and a good sense of what to expect post-surgery, this will change everything for you. The success of your surgery starts with being well-prepared, so don’t skip this part!
Conclusion:
Consulting a plastic surgeon is not only the step to booking a surgery, it is also the opportunity to be educated on the procedure, set realistic expectations for yourself, and select the best surgeon for your needs. Knowledge is power and will lead to a much more seamless experience. If you think you’re ready to take the next step, begin to do your research on what surgeons to trust, make a list of plastic surgery questions, and think about going to the consult prepared to be open-minded to be on the path to success. Your perfect transformation is just around the corner!
FAQs:
Patients frequently inquire about the risks of the procedure, anticipated recovery time, possible scarring, and price. Quite often, prospective patients will also ask about the surgeon's background and what prior patients experienced.
Look for board-certified surgeons, experience with the procedure, good prior patient reviews, and the ability to communicate and explain everything. Do not rush this decision.
The surgery consultation will be the first appointment with your surgeon and will typically include discussion of surgical goals, your health history, and at some point discussion of the appropriate surgical approach if applicable. This step ensures you are an appropriate candidate if we decide to proceed, and to provide you education about the surgical process.
Yes, during the consultation most/all clinics provide a price estimate broken down into surgical costs, anesthetic fees, hospital costs, and cost for follow-up care.
