A consultation with a surgeon is the initial step towards your cosmetic surgery procedure. Based on your specific wants and needs, consultations can be done in person or on video chat. You can expect your consultation to take from 30 minutes to an hour. Additionally, most surgeons charge a fee for the consultation. The payment will be applied as a credit towards your procedure if you decide to proceed.
During your consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history, discuss what you'd like to change, and recommend the procedures (invasive and non-invasive) to help achieve your goals. The surgeon may ask you how you feel about your body now and how you'd like to feel after the cosmetic surgery. This is important for determining if you are an ideal candidate. You can also discuss the specific changes you would like to see after the procedure. For instance, if you are interested in a rhinoplasty, you might want the nose tip lifted to a certain degree.
The surgeon will examine your area(s) of concern after the initial discussion. There may be photos or measurements taken to help the surgeon show you what you can expect after the procedure(s). If possible, the surgeon will present you with different options and discuss the expected results and limitations of each method. Your surgeon will review any risks and complications that can occur during or after surgery. The surgeon will discuss details about the procedure including the type of anesthesia, location and size of incisions, recovery time, and cost. You'll be shown photos of other patients who chose the same procedure. Be sure you ask to see photos of results that are typical, less-than-average results, and wows.
There are a few other things you can do to prepare for your consultation. First, research the procedure you are interested in. Check the average cost, recovery times, and before & afters. Make a list of your questions and concerns to bring to your consultation. This will help keep ensure you leave the consultation feeling informed and certain of your next steps.
Here's a list of questions you can use:
Am I a good candidate for my procedure of interest?
What are your qualifications/certifications?
How many times have you performed this procedure?
Have you performed the procedure(s) on patients with similar concerns?
What are the benefits? What are the risks? What is the complication rate?
After my surgery, will there be a doctor or registered nurse available on call?
What is included in the quote (i.e. surgeon's fees, anesthesia, aftercare devices, follow-up visits)?
Is there anything I haven’t asked about, that you think I should know?
Lastly, be open and honest with your surgeon during the consultation. Discuss any fears or anxieties you may have regarding the procedure. For your safety, disclose any medications, drugs, and/or supplements you are using. At the end of your consultation, you should have more clarity about the procedure and the process of achieving your goals.
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