Once you have decided on a plastic surgeon, you’ll need to schedule a consultation. The consultation is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the procedure, its probable outcome and risks, as well as those about practical matters, such as cost.
Before you meet with a plastic surgeon, it’s important to make sure that you are prepared.
1. Communicate your goals
It is essential that you communicate your wishes to the plastic surgeon. You may want to spend some time asking yourself what exactly you want to achieve with cosmetic surgery. What results are you hoping for? Flip through magazines or other photos to help you decide which breast shape, size and lift is optimal for you. You’ll need to have a good idea of what look you want before you speak to your surgeon. Even if you think that your surgery goal is too lofty, tell the surgeon anyway; that way, he or she will understand your intentions.
Having an honest dialogue with your surgeon about your expectations is essential. The surgeon can determine whether he or she can achieve the results you seek only if you are thorough in explaining your goals for the breast procedure.
You may wish to visit the library or go online to do some research of your own on breast surgery so you can ask the surgeon educated questions during your consultation. If you do a bit of self-educating, you’ll be able to better understand what the surgery involves.
2. Bring a list of questions
Remember, it is your surgeon’s job to answer all of your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask them to clarify anything you don’t fully understand. This is your body and your money, so this is not the time to just nod and agree if you don’t understand. Keep asking until you do.
Consider preparing a list of questions so you don’t forget anything important during your time with your surgeon. If you don’t have all of your questions down on paper, you may find yourself bombarded with too much information at once and then think of several questions later that you wish you had remembered to ask.
Here are a few questions that you should ask your surgeon during your plastic surgery consultation:
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation:
- Are my surgery goals realistic?
- What procedure or procedures do you recommend for me?
- What risks, complications, and side effects could I experience?
- How long will the operation take?
- What kind of anesthetic will be used?
- Will I have post-surgical pain?
- Is it likely that my insurance will pay for my procedure? If not, what other payment options do you recommend?
- When can my procedure be performed?
- How soon can I return to work?
This will probably happen anyway, to some degree. If you are concerned about feeling too overwhelmed and not being able to remember important details of your consultation, you may want to take a friend with you to take notes as you are speaking to the surgeon. Doing so could help alleviate some confusion later and help you absorb all of the information you’ve been given.
If you think of additional questions after your initial consultation, you may wish to schedule a second consultation. A second meeting may also help you feel more comfortable committing to the surgical process. Second consultations also offer the opportunity for you to take a trusted friend or family member with you to help you understand and digest any information given to you.
3. Provide your surgeon with your medical history
Some surgeons may want medical records during the consultation; others may wait until you have actually scheduled a surgery date before they request medical records.
Because surgeons have different preferences for when they require medical histories, it’s best to call and ask the surgeon’s staff what information they’d like for you to take to the consultation.
Either way, you’ll need to be prepared to give the surgeon a good overview of your medical history. It’s important that your surgeon understand your current physical condition.
Be prepared to inform the surgeon of any present or past medical conditions and any surgical procedures you’ve undergone, too.
Also, you’ll need to tell the surgeon which prescription drugs you are taking currently and why you are taking them.
4. Ensure this is the right surgeon for you
It’s essential to find a surgeon that is experienced, board-certified, and that makes you feel safe and comfortable. Not only will you gain valuable information during your consultation, you also will be able to sense whether you and the surgeon have a good rapport. At no point during the consultation should you feel any pressure from the surgeon to participate in surgery.
It’s important to choose a surgeon who conveys a sense of caring and concern for patients. The surgeon’s attitude and responses during the consultation are clues to your future relationship with him or her, so be attentive.
Listen to your instincts. For example, are your questions answered respectfully and thoroughly? Do you innately trust this individual? Does he or she seem impatient or rushed? Is the staff caring and professional? All of these questions need to be
answered to your satisfaction before you agree that this surgeon is the one to perform your procedure.
5. Ask for before and after photographs
Your surgeon will most likely show you before-and-after pictures of former patients who have undergone the procedures you’re interested in.
Usually, he or she will volunteer these photos, but if not, ask to see them. Your surgeon should have many before and after photographs to show you. If the surgeon can produce only a handful of examples, it could be a sign that they haven’t had a lot of experience performing the procedure or procedures that you’re interested in.
6. Ask for references from previous patients
Your surgeon should also be able to put you in contact with former patients who’ve had the same surgical procedure done. This way, you have the chance to learn first hand about having the procedure. Many surgeons do this routinely—the have names of patients who’ve agreed to speak to new patients.
Don’t feel shy about contacting previous patients. Most people who have had your procedure completed will be excited to share their story with you. Usually, they enjoy telling new patients about how having surgery enhanced their lives.
And, who better than former patients to give you the candid details of the process?
If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to former patients, read reviews of the plastic surgeon on Google and Realself.
7. Discuss the cost
The best way to alleviate confusion over the total cost of your surgery is to talk with your surgeon or a designated staff person about it. Your consultation is a good opportunity to do this.
Once you’ve discussed your surgery options with your surgeon and have chosen which procedure you want, it’s time for this conversation.
In addition to determining the fee for your procedure, you will need to know what additional fees you will be responsible for. All surgeons’ protocols are different, but it’s common for patients to cover additional costs, such as those for anesthesia, lab tests, pathology tests, compression vests, or prescription drugs.
Your surgeon can also tell you whether or not your surgery will be covered by insurance. Insurance does not typically cover cosmetic plastic surgery, but they may cover medically necessary or reconstructive plastic surgery.
If insurance does not cover your desired procedure or if you have no insurance at all, you will need to consider self-pay options. The total cost of your surgery will depend on the procedure and method performed, your geographical location, and your individual surgeon. It’s difficult to estimate the exact cost of your procedure because of these variables.
Other Payment Arrangements
If insurance is not an option for you, your surgeon may advise you on other payment arrangements.
Many patients take out loans through lenders who work closely with their surgeons. Your surgeon should be able to make this kind of referral. Most surgeons will accept credit cards as a means of payment. Some surgeons may agree to accept monthly payments directly from you.
However, most surgeons prefer that the total cost of surgery be paid in full before they complete your procedure.
Preparing for a plastic surgery consultation
Preparing for a plastic surgery consultation is crucial for a successful and informed decision.
Clearly articulating your goals, researching and educating yourself beforehand, and bringing a list of questions will help you have the most informative consultation.
Providing a comprehensive medical history ensures your surgeon understands your current physical condition. Equally important is assessing whether the surgeon aligns with your expectations and is trustworthy.
Requesting before-and-after photographs and patient references aids in verifying the surgeon’s experience and patient satisfaction.
Finally, discussing the cost, including additional fees and payment options, is essential for financial planning.
By following these steps, you empower yourself to make an informed choice for a positive surgical experience.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.