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Plastic Surgery Consultations: How to Proceed

Today the internet provides a wealth of resources for people interested in Cosmetic Surgery.  You can research procedures and even email a physician directly.  However, it is important to recognize that this is only a prelude to an in-person consultation at the plastic surgeon’s office.  Without meeting with him or her face to face, it is impossible to determine the type of results you can expect.  Every person is unique and one service does not fit all.  During your consultation you will learn if a procedure is right for you, the type of success you can expect, if other procedures may give you better results, and of course, the always important actual cost specific to your needs.
In Office Surgeon-Patient Consultations

The in-office consultation will be the most valuable research you can do.  The plastic surgeon is not only evaluating your needs, you get the opportunity to evaluate him or her. You want to be comfortable with the surgeon you choose, so check out their bedside manner and determine if you would be comfortable with that surgeon.   Be sure to ask questions about their level of experience, complications they have seen with each procedure, and ask to see Cosmetic Surgery Before and After Photos of their previous patients.  There is no wrong question to ask, so come prepared with a list of your concerns so that you can make an informed decision.

Discuss Your Problem

Determining if a Cosmetic Surgery Procedure will give you the results you are looking for is really your primary reason to visit with the plastic surgeon.  It is often helpful to bring photos that reflect the outcome you are looking for.  Remember, a plastic surgeon cannot alter your appearance to look exactly like someone else, but it may give a good foundation for discussion.  The plastic surgeon will get an idea of your goals, and he or she can tell you if your expectations are realistic for the procedure.  For both face and body procedures, expect the plastic surgeon to have an assistant in the room during your physical evaluation.  It may be necessary for you to disrobe so that he or she can evaluate the area of concern.  For facial procedures, the plastic surgeon will often hand you a mirror and ask you to point out exactly what you want to change.  All procedures have limitations, so the plastic surgeon will explain what can and sometimes cannot be done.  The more specific you are with the plastic surgeon, the better the outcome of your procedure.  If you still have questions after your initial meeting, the plastic surgeon should be more than willing to set up a second consultation for further discussion.

Your Medical History

It's extremely important to tell your plastic surgeon of any previous or current illnesses as well as previous surgeries that may affect the outcome of your procedure. It is unfortunately common for patients to neglect to reveal past cosmetic procedures.  Not only can this prevent a more successful outcome, it can also greatly increase your risk of complications if the plastic surgeon is unaware of previous cosmetic alterations. Medical conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions do not always prevent a patient from moving forward with their procedure, but the plastic surgeon may need to discuss your condition with your primary care giver before proceeding. Be sure to mention if you're presently taking any medication including non-prescription items such as herbal remedies or a daily aspiring regimen.  Many over the counter items can increase your risk of pro-longed bleeding and must be stopped several weeks prior to surgery.  A common risk factor in any surgery is smoking.  Smoking destroys the small blood vessels in the body and hinders your ability for healing. Furthermore, due to the lack of oxygen in the cells, a smoker has a greater risk of developing extensive scarring. If you are a smoker, be sure to discuss ways decrease your risk.  Most likely the plastic surgeon will insist that you stop smoking several weeks prior to any procedure.

The Procedure Description

Ask to have the operative procedure explained to you in understandable terms.  You should also be told who will be in the room assisting him with your procedure.  If you are uncomfortable, ask to meet the surgical staff.  The types of questions you may want to ask are where the incisions will be made, the length and size of potential scarring, what type of sutures will be used (if any), the level of post-operative bruising and swelling that may occur, and how to care for your wounds in the days and weeks post surgery. Have the plastic surgeon provide you with a schedule of when you can expect to return to work and resume exercise.  Remember, the goal is to have no surprises, so have a realistic expectation of the both the immediate and final result of your procedure.

Risks and Complications

You want to be informed of all the possible risks and complications. While postoperative complications are unusual, every procedure entails at least a small chance of complication. The plastic surgeon is obligated to tell you about the risks, how likely they are and what can be done to treat them if they do occur. A risk is something that the plastic surgeon will work to minimize, but cannot control no matter how diligent. Make sure you are comfortable with the level of risk associated with your procedure before making your decision.