Cosmetic Surgery Consultations
When preparing for any type of cosmetic surgery, it is crucial for both the patient and the surgeon to understand each other: what the patient desires and what the surgeon is offering. The consultation is a key step in determining these specifics, during which honesty and in-depth answers are paramount on both sides.
Questions the surgeon may ask
During the consultation with your chosen specialist, they will ask you a group of questions which are essential in allowing the surgeon to understand your case and to make all the specific considerations. This includes your suitability for cosmetic surgery, which is the most important issue. The questions broadly fall into categories about your health, lifestyle, and why you desire the facelift. They will ask about:
- Your reasons behind choosing cosmetic surgery, and also what you expect the procedure to achieve. A good surgeon will want you to have realistic expectations and an appropriate outlook on the benefits and realities of cosmetic surgery.
- Any allergies to certain drugs, and a history of any medical conditions and operations. They will ask if you have experienced cosmetic surgery in the past, where the surgery was and your thoughts on the process and results.
- Whether you are currently taking prescription drugs or any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins. This is all vital to determine the right course of action. Also the surgeon is likely to ask about tobacco, alcohol or recreational drug use, which some patients may consider intrusive but which requires candid answers for the best possible outcome.
What sorts of questions should you ask the surgeon?
The following questions are a guide only, as the questions the patient feels are most important depends on them and their experience with cosmetic surgery. However, do not be shy or embarrassed about asking the surgeon crucial questions; they are a professional who should be comfortable with putting you at ease and providing honest answers. Pertinent topics include:
- The professional qualifications and standing of the surgeon. Are they certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? This is the standard society for maintaining high quality and ethical treatment in the field of plastic surgery, of which cosmetic surgery is a subsidiary. They assess the reputability and rigor of cosmetic surgeons with education and examinations.
- Their experience at performing surgery in general and also the procedure you desire. Has the surgeon trained for a number of years in the field? Is their surgical facility properly accredited or certified? It is also worth asking if they have hospital privileges to carry out the surgery.
- The procedure itself and your suitability. Ask them openly whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. What do you need to do in order to maximize the chances of the best results? Make sure you know where the surgery will be performed and which surgical technique is the most appropriate. How long is the recovery period expected to be, and what post-operative care and attention is necessary?
- Risks and possible complications. What kinds of risks are associated with the procedure and what are the chances of these undesirable outcomes? What happens to you should a complication arise? Question them on the possibility that the surgery does not provide the expected aesthetic result, and the options that would be available.
Options and Outcomes
If the surgeon concludes that you are suitable for cosmetic surgery, they can discuss with you the available treatment options, the most likely outcomes of the surgery, and inform you about taking the next step.