Plastic Surgery Consultation Information - Cosmetic Surgery Network

The Initial Consultation

This initial meeting tends to be a relaxed, yet systematic discussion about the particular procedure you are considering. Generally, the surgeon will begin by reviewing and evaluating your desired goals. He or she will then review your medical history and lifestyle, conduct a physical examination and assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. The aim will be to educate and inform you about the proposed procedure and to "walk" you through the whole procedure. He or she will then explain what the procedure involves, discuss the types of anesthesia, and go over the risks and benefits involved as well as the recovery time and how you will feel at each stage of the procedure. Finally the surgeon will discuss the costs involved for the total procedure and give you some reading materials. During the initial consultation the surgeon should:

• Discuss your motivations and expectations of the procedure
• Offer alternatives, if appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unnecessary procedures
• Be open to questions about his educational background, professional qualifications, experience, and costs
• Answer all your questions thoroughly and compassionately
• Discuss all the risks and benefits involved

After the consultation a mutual understanding hopefully will have developed, allowing you to feel comfortable with the surgeon. Trust your personal feelings about the surgeon, his staff and the facility. If you do not feel completely comfortable, walk away and meet with another qualified surgeon. The decision is always yours. The best thing you can do you for yourself is to get educated about your options by learning all the details of the procedure, including all the risks, benefits, alternatives and estimated costs. The more informed you are, the more comfortable you feel making this personal choice.