Your initial one-on-one consultation
with the plastic surgeon is an essential
part of your decision to have cosmetic
surgery. During the consultation, you
and the plastic surgeon will get to know
one another and discuss the changes you
want to make. Your consultation should
help reassure you that you're getting
the procedure that's right for you.
Be as prepared as possible for this
first meeting. Know your physician's
qualifications before you go. Also,
write down any questions you may have
for the surgeon to be sure you get the
information you want.
Expect this first visit to take time.
The doctor will review your medical
history, take photographs and talk about
the specific changes you want. Many
plastic surgeons now have sophisticated
computer software and imaging equipment
that can simulate surgery's effects,
showing what you might look like after
surgery.
It's important that you and your plastic
surgeon establish a good rapport during
your first meeting. If your doctor has a
clear picture of the results you want,
you've begun good and open
communications. In return, expect the
doctor to be honest with you about what
surgery can and cannot do for you. If
your expectations are unrealistic, the
doctor should explain why.
There will be a $125 fee for your
cosmetic consultation. This amount will
be applied toward the surgical fee, if
you decide to have the procedure.
After the consultation, you will have a
clear understanding of the overall costs
of your surgery. In addition to the
physician's fee, there are separate
charges for the operating facilities and
anesthesia.
Do not count on your insurance to cover
surgical and other cosmetic surgery
fees. If a part of the procedure is
medically necessary, it may be covered,
but the cosmetic portion won't be.
While you may not leave the office with
a final decision, you should have a
clearer idea about what's realistic for
you. As you evaluate your choices, ask
yourself:
-
Were all my questions answered?
-
Do I feel confident about the
physician's abilities?
-
Am I ready to go ahead with
surgery?
Related Links:
Before Your Consultation
What To Expect
