Cosmetic Surgery is a life-changing process and one of the most important steps to a successful procedure is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon.
Before investing in a particular professional and a particular procedure, you will have a consultation with the plastic surgeon in order to see if you’re a good fit for the procedure you’re interested in and to see if you are at ease with the doctor. You must feel that you are being treated well by the receptionist and other staff members, not just the surgeon.
Here are some ideas during cosmetic surgery consultation.
It’s also wise to learn how long you’ll have to stay 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 recovery period will be and what it will be like.
Finish paperwork in advance and arrive early. Most surgeons advise that patients arrive at least fifteen minutes early for their consultation to finish any remaining paperwork.
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 plastic 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.
Plastic surgeons are typically visual individuals.
If for a breast enhancement, 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 issues you might have for the doctor. Discussing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery could be mind-boggling.
Talk to others, like you, who have gone through or will undergo the same procedure you are interested in. Check out online communities linked to your interest.
Do not be afraid to question around. Ask around your salon or gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurse practitioners that you may know or that good friends of yours may know. You’re just getting names right now so any recommendations can be welcome. You might not select any of these but it is a start.
Research the procedure you are interested in. 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 required, bring support to your consultation. Patients arriving for a reconstruction consultation (such as breast reconstruction or reconstruction of congenital defects and other facial deformities) may especially reap the benefits of support, as their cosmetic surgery experience might be sentimentally trying.
Make a listing of the prescription drugs, if any, that you might be on as a reference point. You doctor should advise you to avoid consuming any products made up of aspirin.
EXTRA! Now, in some instances just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit, settling out of court or even had a case dismissed, this doesn’t mean that doc is a “bad” one. Likewise, if a surgeon has NOT ever been disciplined, that doesn’t mean he’s a good one either. Maybe it just hasn’t happened yet.
Be prepared to take notes: Surgeons will provide printed copies of the things you will need to learn about your reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery procedure, but taking notes in your own words can help you have better understand the information discussed.
Be skeptical if he starts mentioning what you didn’t come to him to correct. 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 more money by preying upon your various insecurities. Of course if you ask his thoughts and opinions — be ready to have it.
Look through periodicals, 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 surgeon who fails to pay attention to your worries or fails to bring the risks and complications of your chosen procedure to your attention. This isn’t changing a tire — this is altering your body. If he sits there and tells you “oh it’s easy and there aren’t any risks” be wary. UNDERSTAND THE POTENTIAL RISKS!
Search around and be conscious of all your choices. Research the numerous ways, if applicable, relating to your desired procedure(s). This might take a while, but it is worthwhile.
Believe in instincts too. Sometimes, if you have a negative feeling about somebody or something like that — there’s a reason.
Discuss with your spouse or mate your wishes and concerns; possibly they, themselves, may have input or concerns you might not have thought of.
Then again, some doctors are severely honest and will explain something that you didn’t go for, but is something he or she thinks could 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 can make the nose appear bigger than it really is.
If you view pre and post pictures (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, you shouldn’t be deceived into the “consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled” bit. Don’t book with a doctor because you feel pressured about having your consult payment returned.