What To Expect At Your First Plastic Surgery Consultation
Individuals who want to look better or turn back the hands of time can have their wishes granted by skilled aesthetic surgeons. These medical specialists are highly-trained in cosmetic enhancements that restore your self-confidence.
Before going under the knife, your physician will have to conduct an interview, assess your features, and discuss your objectives. Doing this can make your overall experience as pleasant as the results of your aesthetic surgery.
Your pre-surgery visit to the doctor may be frazzling, but it shouldn’t be. Understand the purpose of the visit and learn what to expect during the initial consultation, so you’ll know how to prepare.
Why You Need An Initial Consultation
As with other surgeries, invasive cosmetic procedures can come with certain risks. A pre-surgery visit minimises these risks and ensures whether the system is suitable for you. This is true in all parts of the world, whether in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.
In Melbourne, for instance, a plastic surgeon will use this first meeting to learn more about your medical history and what you want to achieve. Your medical aesthetician will determine whether a specific surgical procedure is the right solution and present better options. The doctor will also discuss the potential risks attributed to each course.
6 Things To Expect During Your First Visit
- Fill In Some Paperwork
Upon entry to the doctor’s clinic, you’ll be asked to fill in some paperwork to create your profile. Apart from the standard measurements such as weight, height, and age, we expect to provide some basic medical and lifestyle information. The form will likely ask if you smoke or have certain medical conditions and take oral medications. Be completely honest with your answers, which could impact the surgery results and your safety.
Some clinics prefer patients to fill in the form online or will send the document through the mail. You only need to submit the paper once you arrive for the latter.
- Discuss Your Medical History
The medical receptionist or assistant will hand over the form to the plastic surgeon or, in some cases, a nurse for review. If applicable, expect the medical practitioner to ask more questions about the medications and supplements you’re taking and the symptoms related to your health condition. Some doctors will also ask probing questions about your family members’ health to determine whether you may be predisposed or at risk for specific illnesses.
- Interview With Your Plastic Surgeon
After delving deeper into your medical history, anticipate more probing questions from the doctor.
- Questions About Your Desire and Goals in Having Surgery
These questions will focus more on your needs and objectives for wanting to have surgery. For instance, the surgeon will ask why you want to change a specific body part and how you want to look after the surgical procedure, and your specific desired results and impact.
At this stage, the doctor will help you obtain realistic expectations of what can be achieved. For instance, if you want breast augmentation, most surgeons don’t advise going past 500cc for patients with small frames or those who are physically active.
- Discussion of the Procedure
The cosmetic doctor will then run you through the procedure, including preparing, doing it, and what to expect post-surgery. For instance, the doctor will explain where incisions will be made and whether you need to contact an anesthesiologist in Melbourne or other vital cities, whom you know if it makes you feel better.
- Elaborating Potential Risks
The doctor will discuss postoperative details such as how you may feel after the surgery and how long you’ll likely experience pain and inconvenience. While recovery times differ from one person to another, your surgeon should be able to provide you with an average recuperation timeframe.
As with any other invasive operation, risks, and possible complications occur from plastic surgery. These may include blood clots, pneumonia, infections, excessive scarring, fluid buildup, bleeding, and nerve damage. Doctors aren’t trying to discourage you from getting surgery; they’re legally mandated to discuss plastic surgery risks with prospective patients.
- Your Turn To Ask Questions
It’d help if you didn’t skip this opportunity to ask your doctors as many questions as possible. There are no stupid questions about cosmetic surgery or any medical procedure.
After the doctor’s discussion on the surgery details, you can ask more about how long the operation could last and any other vital issues that your doctor may have missed. Tell your doctor if you’re having second thoughts, and ask whether other options are available to address your concern.
Besides asking these questions, you may also discuss their expertise in each procedure with your surgeon. Additionally, ask about the complications experienced by patients at the hands of the surgeon. Getting the answers to these questions will give you enough understanding of the doctor’s surgical experience.
Only choose a doctor who’s had ample experience in the procedure you wish to have. Also, steer clear of a cosmetic physician who’s had many patients experiencing problems during or after the surgery. Because of the sensitivity of medical records, it can be challenging to ask previous patients about their experience with the doctor.
A medical practitioner must be able to discuss several options with you and explain why a particular method may be better than other options based on your body goals and expected results.
- Surgeon’s Examination Of Your ‘Problem Areas’
Depending on the body part concerned, you may be asked to wear a robe or remain clothed during this procedure. You’ll likely be assisted by a nurse or assistant while preparing.
Expect the surgeon to make some measurements or take photos for documentation, future reference, and comparison. Some doctors hand mirrors to their patients while they explain the concept of symmetry and balance. Human bodies are asymmetrical, but this can be corrected with a specific type of surgery.
- Discuss Charges And Payment Options
Once you’ve decided to go through a cosmetic procedure, either the doctor or the receptionist will discuss surgery costs and payment options with you. You may have to pay extra charges for anesthesia and postoperative devices such as compression garments.
Find out if the quote covers subsequent checkups, as you’ll be asked to visit the clinic a few weeks after the surgery. Because of the hefty costs, some surgeons allow financing options. Ask the receptionist whether the doctor accepts this method, and how much deposit you’d have to pay.
Final Reminders
Remember that you shouldn’t be obligated to decide at this stage. Reputable surgeons shouldn’t pressure you into availing yourself of their services right away. If you’re on the fence about going under the knife, you may opt to have a second consultation or go to another plastic surgeon if you’re not entirely satisfied with your initial visit.
