People often think about nose and boob jobs when hearing about plastic surgery. However, cosmetic procedures make up just a tiny fraction of what plastic surgeons do for a living.
While most patients are happy with their results, there are a few things to remember when working with a plastic surgeon.
Schedule a Consultation
The first step in working with a plastic surgeon is scheduling an in-person or virtual consultation. During this appointment, your doctor will ask for your medical history. They will need to know if any health issues run in the family, illnesses you have suffered from, surgeries you have undergone, and other important information.
The next thing you need to do is find a board-certified doctor. This is crucial because cosmetic surgery is a specialty, and only doctors with the appropriate training can practice it.
Make a List of Your Goals
It is essential to list your goals when working with a Bellevue plastic surgeon. This can help you communicate more clearly during your consultation and avoid miscommunication. It will also ensure that your surgeon knows exactly what you want from the procedure.
The first step is to find a surgeon specializing in the type of procedure you are interested in. You can do this by searching on Google for your city and “Plastic Surgeon.”
Once you have found several surgeons specializing in the procedure you want, it is time to schedule a consultation. This will allow the doctor to meet with you and explain the procedures in more depth. They will also be able to provide you with before and after pictures of previous patients and testimonials.
Ask Questions
Because plastic surgery is a field where malpractice lawsuits are common, you should be prepared to ask your surgeon plenty of questions. This will help you feel confident that you have chosen the right doctor for your procedure.
It would help if you also ask your plastic surgeon how long they have been performing the procedure you are interested in. This is a critical question because the longer they have been doing it, the more experience they will have with complications and how to deal with them.
Be sure to ask for photos of before and after cosmetic procedures that the doctor has performed.
Make a List of Your Concerns
Plastic surgery is a big decision; finding a willing surgeon to listen to your concerns is essential. However, knowing how to strike the right balance between asserting your needs and respecting your surgeon’s expertise and experience is also necessary.
For example, if you’re worried about your eyelids becoming too floppy during the procedure, it’s crucial to describe this concern clearly so your surgeon doesn’t accidentally overcorrect. This could result in an unfavorable outcome or even more drooping than before.
In addition, if you’re concerned about your safety during the procedure, ask whether your surgeon has hospital operating privileges and an accredited ambulatory surgical facility. These credentials ensure that your surgeon has the proper training and equipment to respond to medical emergencies during your procedure.
Be Honest
When it comes to a plastic surgery consultation, nothing is quite as helpful as a one-on-one conversation with an experienced surgeon. This is your chance to pepper them with a litany of questions and get some clarity on your treatment moving forward. Take advantage of this opportunity by going into your consultation unprepared.
Being honest with your cosmetic surgeon about your medications or supplements is essential. This is for your safety, as some medications can interfere with anesthesia or thin blood, leading to bleeding complications.
With more women than ever seeking enhancement procedures, surgeons must balance trending desires and medical best practices. This is why they prioritize comprehensive consultations to debunk myths, set realistic expectations, and help patients navigate their emotional journey.
