Plastic Surgery Consultation Prep Suggestions
Plastic Surgery is a life-changing process and one of the most essential steps to a successful procedure is choosing the right doctor.
During these consultations, you have a great chance to ask all kinds of questions, both concerning the procedure and the physician. You need to feel that you are being treated well by the receptionist and other staff members, not just the surgeon.
Following are a handful of tricks for your plastic surgery consultation.
You should also learn how long you'll have to be in the clinic or hospital, what kind of anesthesia will be used, if you will need a friend to take you home, and how long the recuperation period will be and what it will be like.
Finish paperwork in advance and arrive early.
Compile a list of possibilities and begin checking them out for disciplinary actions and check for possible negative media coverage through www.google.com — they have a great content indexing system.
You need to ask if your cosmetic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Being board certified implies that the surgeon has received specific training and practice years in the cosmetic surgery Cardiff niche.
Bring some photos to provide a visualization for the surgeon on the results you desire and DON'T desire. If you?re considering a facial rejuvenation procedure like a facelift or Rhinoplasty (nose job), bringing in an older photo of yourself will assist your surgeon in producing natural looking results.
If for a breast enlargement, bring a bra (and something to fill it; or use filled augmentations or sizers at the doctor's office) or your "rice boobies" to further help his/her visualization.
Bring a list of questions or concerns you might have for the surgeon. Even your biggest worries may be hard to remember with so many details to speak about.
Talk to others, like you, who have been through or will undergo the same procedure you are searching for. Check out online communities associated with your interest.
Don't be scared to ask around. Ask around your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurse practitioners that you may know or that friends of yours may know. You're just getting names right now so any suggestions could be welcome. You might not select any of these but it's a start.
Research your desired procedure and your prospective surgeon?s experience. There is a vast amount of information available on the web as well as pamphlets free to the public from libraries and doctors' offices, without obligation.
Don't be unnerved.
Bring assistance: If necessary, bring support to your consultation. Patients coming in for a reconstruction consultation (such as breast reconstruction or reconstruction of congenital defects and other facial deformities) might especially reap the benefits of support, as their plastic surgery experience might be psychologically trying.
Make a list of the medicines, if any, that you might be on as a reference. You doctor should advise you to stay away from eating any products made up of aspirin.
EXTRA! Now, in some cases just because a doctor has been involved in a case, settling out of court or even had a case dismissed, this doesn't mean that doc is a "bad" one. Likewise, if a doc has NOT ever been disciplined, that doesn't mean he's a good one either. Maybe it just hasn't happened yet.
Be ready to take notes: Surgeons will give you imprinted copies of the things you need to know about your reconstructive surgery or cosmetic surgery procedure, but taking notes in your own words can help you have better comprehend the information reviewed.
Be wary if he starts indicating what you did not come to him to fix. Many people like small breasts and certainly didn't need to hear they should get augmentations if they went info for a facelift. The plastic surgeon should be there to make you, the patient, happy — not make extra money by preying upon your various insecurities. Of course if you ask his opinion — be ready to have it.
Examine publications, old photos or other sources to help you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a result.
Bring your list of medications for reference.
Watch out for a doctor who does not listen to your worries or fails to bring the risks and complications of your selected procedure to your attention. This is not changing a tire — this is altering your body. If he sits there and tells you "oh it is simple and there are no risks" be skeptical. KNOW THE RISKS!
Search around and be aware of all your choices. Research the numerous ways, if applicable, regarding your desired procedure(s). This may take time, but it's worthwhile.
Believe in intuition too.
Discuss with your spouse or partner your wishes and worries; perhaps they, themselves, may have input or concerns you may not have thought of.
However, some doctors are harshly honest and will point out something you didn't go for, but is something she or he thinks will make you more happy. Such as if it is a deficient chin, and not your nose, which is making your nose look larger. A receding chin could make the nose appear larger than it really is.
If you view pre and post photos (from the web, doctors' offices, etc.) do realize that they can be retouched digitally or "airbrushed" and not to rely solely on them.
A consultation can last from ten minutes to 2 and 1/2 hours. He or she should reply to all of your questions. Also, do not be fooled into the "consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled" bit. Don't book with a surgeon because you feel pressured about getting your consult fee returned. If the cosmetic surgeon is certified by a medical specialty board, which is a national professional group, you can usually make sure that certification at that medical specialty board's website.
