Before they get surgery, most people don't understand what the consultation is all about. The consultation is a chance for you to talk to a plastic surgeon about your operation.
They can look at you and make recommendations about what work should be done. They will walk you through the procedure and tell you about any risks, as well as explain in detail the recovery period after surgery is over. It's your chance to ask questions and design your new body or face with the doctor.
Check Out The Surgeon
Even more important, the consultation is a chance for you to check out the plastic surgeon. First, make sure they are ASPS Board Certified. This means that they have undergone the proper training and gained the right experience to perform plastic surgery operations.
You should never even think about going under the knife of someone who isn't certified. The doctor should explain everything to you so that you can understand. What's really important here is comfort level. If they are vague or don't explain fully, you should look somewhere else.
They should be honest and professional, they shouldn't be making a sales pitch, but simply explaining what they can or can't do. You need to be totally comfortable with your doctor, so if there is anything that sets you ill at ease, you should keep shopping.
You can also have a look at the doctor's before and after pictures. This will not only show you their work, but give you a good idea of what you can expect with the outcome.
Questions You Need To Ask
- Ask about their certification if they haven't already told you.
- Ask them about anesthetic, for some procedures they will simply numb the area getting work done, and for others you will be put to sleep. Most surgeons offer both options where possible.
- Find out about their experience. They should have several years of experience doing exactly the procedure you want done.
- What kind of risks and complications are there? Ask them what the most common complication is and how it can be avoided.
- Ask about the recovery period. This is need-to-know information. You should find out how long it will take and what it will involve. It's also a good idea to ask about the pain and discomfort you may experience.
- Ask to talk to former patients or see their endorsements. A former patient who is happy with their work will be happy to put in a good word for them.
- Who will be performing the post-operative care? In some cases, the doctor will see you through the entire recovery period, but in other situations they will pass you off to a surgeon-in-training. If it's a concern for you, find out now who will do it.
Get as much detail as possible about the actual procedure so that you will know what is happening. The most important thing to understand is the outcome. An unrealistic expectation of plastic surgery is the number one cause of failure. Make sure you know what you will get out of it.
