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Skin Rejuvenation Consultations: How to Proceed

Today the internet provides a wealth of resources for people interested in Skin Rejuvenation.  You can research procedures and even email a Physician or Skin Rejuvenation Specialist directly.  However, it is important to recognize that this is only a prelude to an in-person consultation at the Skin Rejuvenation clinic.  Without meeting with a specialist, 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, the costs of your procedures, and available financing plans if needed.

In Office Skin Rejuvenation Consultations

The in-office Skin Rejuvenation consultation will be the most valuable research you can do.  The doctor or his or her staff is not only evaluating your needs, you get the opportunity to evaluate them. You want to be comfortable with the Skin Rejuvenation specialist you choose, so check out their bedside manner and determine if you would be comfortable with them.   Be sure to ask questions about their level of experience, complications they have seen with each procedure, and ask to see 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 procedure will give you the results you are looking for is really your primary reason to visit.  You will often be handed a mirror and asked you to point out exactly what you want to change.  All procedures have limitations, so the doctor or clinician will explain what can and sometimes cannot be done.  Ask to see their Skin Rejuvenation Before and After Photos to see what type of result you can expect. The more specific you are, the better the outcome of your procedure.  If you still have questions after your initial meeting, they should be willing to set up a second consultation for further discussion.

Your Medical History

It's extremely important to reveal any previous or current illnesses as well as previous procedures you have had 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 successful outcome, it can also greatly increase your risk of complications if the doctor or his staff is unaware of previous cosmetic alterations. Be sure to mention if you're presently taking any medications including non-prescription items such as herbal remedies or a daily aspirin 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 procedure is smoking.  Smoking destroys the small blood vessels in the body and hinders your ability for healing. If you are a smoker, be sure to discuss ways to decrease your risk.  Most likely the doctor will insist that you stop smoking several weeks prior to any procedure.
Skin Rejuvenation procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels and light-based therapies can have adverse outcomes from the use of certain skin care products. Products such as Retin-A, self-tanners, and waxing products should not be used prior to many procedures. Be sure to discuss your current skin care regime during your consultation.

The Procedure Description

Ask to have the procedure explained to you in understandable terms.  You should also be told who will be performing your procedure. The best person to perform the procedure may not be the doctor.  Doctor’s often employ nurses and skin care specialists to perform Skin Rejuvenation procedures. The types of questions you may want to ask may include the level of post-operative bruising and swelling that may occur, how to care for your skin in the days and weeks post procedure, and how many treatments are necessary to obtain the optimal result. Ask for a schedule of when you can expect to return to work, resume exercise, and be exposed to the sun.  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 complications from cosmetic procedures are unusual, every procedure entails at least a small chance of complication. The doctor and his staff are 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 doctor 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.