The best way to start your plastic surgery journey on the right track is to have a successful consultation. Your plastic surgery journey begins way before the day of your procedure, and your consultation will set the tone for the rest of your experience. So what does it mean to have a successful consultation? It means preparing, preparing, and preparing. We know that it already takes an incredible amount of planning to go through plastic surgery, but by being ready from the very get go, you’ll be able to make the very best of your plastic surgery experience.
1. Ask the Right Questions
Your consultation should be a two-way street, not a long lecture from your surgeon. A great way to ensure communication is to bring your own set of questions and concerns. Remember, your consultation is about informing and educating you about the procedure, and it’s essential that your surgeon informs you about the details that truly matter to you.
You should also use this as the perfect time to learn about your surgeon and really get to know them. After all, it’s important that you trust the person performing your procedure. Make sure to ask your surgeon questions like “how frequently do you perform this procedure,” or “what’s your experience with this procedure?”
2. Do Basic Research
You do not want to walk into your consultation without a single clue about your procedure. Make sure you get the fundamentals of the procedure: what you need to prepare for it, what you can expect from the procedure, and what kind of outcomes it has. The more you know about your procedure, the faster you and your surgeon can get on common ground, and richer and rewarding your consultation will be. In addition, the more you know about the procedure, the better you can plan your questions for the surgeon.
3. Bring Your Medical History
For your safety, it’s essential that you bring a detailed record of your medical history to your consultation. This record should include any illnesses or conditions you have or used to have and a list of medications and treatments you’re currently taking. You should also be honest about your drug or alcohol use. Remember, there are certain procedures that might not be safe for you, so having a detailed medical history at hand can keep you safe.
4. Make Time
Make sure you schedule your consultation so that you don’t have to rush through it. Remember, this is the perfect time for you to fully educate yourself on the how, what, wheres, and whys of the procedure. You definitely do not want a haphazard consultation that can lead to a misunderstanding or confusion.
5. Understand What Drives You
It’s essential that you have a clear idea of why you’re getting the procedure done. The perfect candidate for plastic surgery is someone who has realistic expectations for what plastic surgery can do. That means they want to enhance their confidence or self-esteem or treat a flaw that they’ve been dealing with for years. The clearer you can communicate your goals to the surgeon, the better they’ll be able to see if the procedure is the right fit for you.
Now that you know how to get ready for your consultation, contact the Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery to get your plastic surgery journey started.