Your First Plastic Surgery Consultation: The Ultimate Guide to Preparation and Professional Etiquette
Preparing for your first plastic surgery consultation can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect and how to prepare will help you make the most of this important appointment. A successful consultation with a board certified cosmetic surgeon will educate you about your options and put your mind at ease before scheduling surgery. Getting the most out of your consultation can be as simple as being prepared and knowing the right questions to ask.
Essential Documents and Information to Bring
Your medical history is the foundation of a safe surgical experience. Copies of your medical records or information about your medical history should be your first priority. The general rule of thumb is to bring along your medical history information, which ideally includes medical problems that run in your immediate family.
Give a full list of medications and supplements you take and anything you ingest to support your health, including herbs, teas, and vitamins. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol also is very important, as this may have a profound impact on your recovery period and incision healing.
Don’t forget practical items: A form of payment to cover the consultation fee (note: in some cases, this will be deducted from your procedure cost) and your driver’s license or a government-issued document which is used for identification purposes. You will also be asked to sign a HIPAA form which is required of all health care facilities.
How to Prepare Mentally and Physically
Proper preparation extends beyond paperwork. Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room and truly look at yourself for 10-15 minutes. What do you see that you like? What do you see that you do not like? What would you change? Now, write it down and bring it with you to your initial consultation so that you can get firm, immediate feedback and answers to any and all of these questions.
There is also the adage, a picture is worth a thousand words. Scour the internet for the ideal look, whether it be lips, waists, breast size or another attribute. Bring these pictures with you to help express what you want to your surgeon. However, avoid the “Photoshop trap,” which is unrealistic online images that have been heavily edited.
I recommend making a list of questions to bring with you during your consultation, that way you can make sure to get all the information you need. Be as specific as you can in your questions, but don’t be too aggressive. While you’re researching the procedure write down any questions that you have. It’s likely that you could forget these questions during your consultation, so taking notes is the best way to ensure that you won’t forget to ask the questions you have.
What to Wear and Expect During Your Visit
Comfort and practicality should guide your clothing choices. If you’re looking into breast or body procedures, be sure to wear clothing and underwear that will make disrobing comfortable and practical. (You’ll be asked to undress relevant portions of your body and don a patient gown while the doctor and nurse step out of the room.) On the day of your consultation it will help you to wear loose-fitting clothing or clothes that are easy to change out of. If you are having a breast augmentation or reduction procedure or any other body procedure then you will need to disrobe to change into a patient gown. Your surgeon will need to examine the areas that you are wanting to have plastic surgery on, so wearing clothing that is practical to change in and out of will make the consultation easier on you.
Expect each consultation to last 1 to 2 hours. For more involved surgeries, plan to spend two to three hours at our facility. For laser procedure and injectables, your consultation will be about one to two hours.
Understanding the Consultation Process
The consultation follows a structured approach designed for your safety and satisfaction. The first step in a consultation is sharing your medical history: your cosmetic surgeon will need to know about previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications to understand your overall health status. A physical examination is a critical part of the cosmetic surgery consultation. Your surgeon will carefully examine the area(s) you wish to improve, assessing your skin elasticity and facial structure, and potentially take detailed measurements and photographs for your medical records and surgical planning.
For residents seeking expert care, a Plastic Surgeon Fairfield County like Dr. Chang Soo Kim provides comprehensive consultations with personalized attention. Drawing from his extensive surgical experience and academic training, Dr. Chang Soo Kim MD provides his patients with comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He also dedicates himself to each patient, providing personalized, uncompromised care. Dr. Kim’s cosmetic surgery techniques enhance one’s natural beauty without appearing artificial or overdone.
Financial Considerations and Etiquette
Understanding the financial aspects demonstrates proper consultation etiquette. The initial consultation fee is from $120 to $240. For cosmetic procedures, you will pay this fee at the time of the consultation. This fee will be deducted from the cost of your surgery if the surgery is performed within 90 days of the consultation. As a courtesy to all, we ask that a 24-hour notice be given if you cancel or change your appointment. If a consultation appointment is canceled or rescheduled in less than 24 hours of the appointment time or you do not show up for your appointment, the $150 consultation fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you need to finance your procedure, ask about the available options during your consultation. If this is a concern, be sure to discuss financing options during your consultation.
Questions That Demonstrate Preparedness
Asking informed questions shows respect for the surgeon’s expertise and your own commitment to the process. Essential questions include: “How familiar the surgeon is with the procedure itself and how often they’ve performed it recently. You don’t have to be the busiest surgeon to do a good job, but you want to get a sense of whether that surgeon is doing that specific procedure frequently.”
Something many patients forget to ask about any given procedure is whether there are alternatives available. Whether it’s something noninvasive or another surgical option, it’s always useful to know which resources and procedures are available to you to achieve your desired results.
Post-Consultation Etiquette
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision to proceed during your consultation. Take some time after to weigh your options and make sure you are comfortable before you book anything. Take the time to prepare, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your cosmetic procedure. Patients should not be shy about calling with more questions if they arise afterwards, scheduling a second consult, or seeking a second opinion from another surgeon.
Dr. Chang Soo Kim’s practice in Fairfield County exemplifies the patient-centered approach that makes consultations productive and comfortable. Dr. Chang Soo Kim’s patient-centric approach sets him apart as a plastic surgeon. He takes the time to understand his patients’ goals, concerns, and expectations, ensuring that their surgical plan aligns with their desires and expectations. Dr. Kim believes in fostering open communication and building trust with his patients, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident throughout their surgical journey.
Remember, prior to scheduling surgery, we recommend consulting with multiple doctors to ensure that you are completely comfortable and confident with your final decision. The right cosmetic surgeon will have the experience you need, communicate with you openly, and take the time to answer each of your questions thoroughly. Your first consultation sets the foundation for your entire surgical journey, so approach it with preparation, respect, and realistic expectations.