If you’re planning to have a successful cosmetic surgery consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you need to prepare ahead of time. This helps you get the most out of your consultation and put your mind at ease before scheduling your cosmetic surgery procedure. You’ll want to know the right questions to ask and what to look out for during the consultation. The following can help guide you through the preparation and ensure you take full advantage of your one-on-one time with your potential surgeon.
Bring Your Questions
Think carefully about what procedure you’d like to have performed and jot down what questions you’d like to ask your surgeon. Preparing your questions in advance can help you determine what information is important to you. After your plastic surgeon has explained the basics of the procedures you’re interested in, you can dive into a more complex and detailed discussion.
Always remember to ask questions about both your plastic surgeon and the facility where the procedure will be performed. Plan on asking things like:
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- How often is this procedure performed at this facility?
- Am I a good candidate for the procedure that I am interested in?
- What would happen if something were to occur during the procedure?
- What are the benefits of this procedure?
- What are the risks associated with my procedure?
- What are the most important board certifications that you hold?
- Are the hospital staff qualified?
- Have you helped patients who have similar characteristics and concerns?
- Can you show me before and after photos of the patients you have helped?
Have a Complete Medical History
Bring as many medical records as you can with you to your consultation. This should include any illnesses and medical conditions that you have had and any medications you take. You should also inform the surgeon if you are currently using any drugs or alcohol. Some medical conditions and medications may prevent you from having certain procedures performed on you due to safety reasons. It’s essential that you be honest and specific about your medical history.
Plan Your Finances
It’s important that you know everything about the procedure, including the cost and how you’ll finance it. Also, if you need to borrow money for your procedure, discuss financing options with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Some surgeons require a down payment when you schedule your procedure, and the full cost of the procedure must be paid before your appointment.
Develop Realistic Expectations
Being realistic about your goals and expectations for plastic surgery. Before you schedule a consultation with a surgeon, take some time to think about why you’re considering having surgery. Do you want to correct a problem you’ve had for a long time or simply want to look better and feel more confident in your own skin? When you walk into your plastic surgery consultation appointment, be sure that you can clearly express your needs to the surgeon. Also, ask your surgeon what results you can expect from cosmetic surgery and request to see before and after pictures from prior patients. By doing this, you can get the answers to your pressing concerns and undergo your procedure with confidence.