Are you interested in getting plastic surgery in the near future? After doing your own research, it’s time to find a certified surgeon who can help you achieve your goals in the safest, most realistic manner.
But before you commit to going under the knife, you need to schedule a consultation. This gives you a chance to get to know your surgeon, check out the facility and understand what kind of conditions the organization works under. Going through with the consultation clarifies whether you’ve found the best fit for your procedure, or if you need to keep looking.
Here are a few details you need to consider during your plastic surgery consultation:
1. Come prepared with questions
If you want to have the best experience with your surgeon, you need to open up the lines of communication from the moment you meet. Closing yourself off and neglecting to talk about your concerns can impact your experience in a negative way. Prepare for the consultation by coming up with various questions about the facility, your surgeon and the surgery in general. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommend asking the following questions:
- How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
- Are you certified by the ASPS?
- Have you been specially trained in any specific areas of plastic surgery?
- How many procedures have you performed? How many of the kind of procedure I want have you done?
- Am I the right candidate for this procedure?
- What kind of recovery period should I expect, in terms of time and healing?
- What are some of the complications that accompany this procedure?
- Can you share before and after pictures of some of your latest procedures?
Use this list as a launching pad and add any other questions that come to mind. Remember, the consultation should be used to get know the surgeon and decide whether they make a good fit. Don’t be afraid to take your time and collect as much information as you can.
2. Make sure the facility is accredited
If the facility isn’t accredited, it’s best to avoid. Accreditation is essential to your health and safety, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons advised. When a facility passes accreditation, that means it has reached optimal standards of safety, cleanliness, anesthesia administration, emergency readiness and overall attention to detail. You wouldn’t want to go under the knife in a facility that has failed to reach one of the previous standards, would you?
Keep in mind that each accredited organization is monitored and audited on a regular basis to ensure all quality standards are maintained. Another important question to consider asking when you sit down with your potential surgeon is when the last time the facility was inspected.
Talk to your surgeon about the facility’s accreditation.3. Know exactly what you want, but keep an open mind
You’re meeting with a professional to get an expert opinion on your desired procedure. He or she might have suggestions for you based on your wants and needs, but don’t let this completely change your mind. The last thing you need to do is walk in wanting breast augmentation when the surgeon instead recommends a tummy tuck. Value the surgeon’s opinion, but make sure to take it with a grain of salt.
4. Get the entire procedure breakdown
From costs, risks, benefits and options, make sure you get a thorough explanation of the procedure and every small detail that comes with it. Your surgeon should be ready and willing to explain exactly what you’re getting into, and should want to make you feel comfortable knowing you’ve been fully briefed on the procedure.
Once you’ve completed your own research and sat down with the surgeon, don’t be afraid to ask for additional information. In fact, the facility should have various pamphlets on hand to share with you before committing to a procedure. Also, one of the main discussion points during a consultation should be the price point – don’t leave without a clear quote of your procedure, and don’t commit to something that seems too good to be true. It could end in a botched surgery down the road.
5. Be able to trust your surgeon when you leave
By the time you leave your consultation, you should feel comfortable with the surgeon and trust that he or she is the best person for the job. Before committing to the procedure, the ABCS said to consider ask yourself the following question:
- Did you get an opinion from the surgeon about what he or she feels is the best option for you?
- Were you comfortable sharing your story?
- Did you feel rushed during the consultation?
- Were you impressed or satisfied with the past patient results the surgeon shared with you?
Always trust your gut, especially before undergoing a serious surgery. Don’t commit to the procedure unless you feel comfortable with your surgeon. If you don’t, then it’s time to consider getting a second or third opinion to explore your options.
Schedule your consultation at Maryland Plastic Surgery today
Whether you’re interested in undergoing a cosmetic surgery of the breasts, body, face or you want to try a medspa treatment that focused on the face, Maryland Plastic Surgery has you covered. One of our award-winning cosmetic surgeons or dermatologists can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.
For more information, contact us directly today to schedule your consultation.
