If you’ve made the decision to get cosmetic surgery, the surgeon of your choice will have you come in for a consultation first before scheduling any specific surgery dates. This is not only good for you to find out if you’re comfortable with the doctor and to hear what he/she has to say, but it also gives you time to truly understand the surgical procedure you’re about to have as well as have any questions answered. No matter what part of your body you are having work on, here are six tips to help you prepare for your cosmetic surgery consultation.
1. Do your research
While you may not be able to trust everything you read on the internet, it’s still important for you to take your time and do your research. Visit reputable websites that provide information on the specific surgery you are looking to have. While researching, find out your surgical options, side effects, recovery time, and anything else that may be on your mind. The more you know about the procedure ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to talk one on one with your surgeon during your consultation.
2. Wear the right clothes
Your consultation with the doctor will not just be a verbal conversation. Instead, your doctor will also take the time to examine the area you want to have surgery on so he or she can provide you will all the possible options and all necessary information. If your surgery is on the breasts or other covered body part areas, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. According to Revivology, a company that specializes in breast augmentation in Utah, “All consultations should include a thorough examination as well as measurements and photos.” As long as you have comfortable clothes on that are easy to remove, you can rest assured your consultation will be more comfortable than originally anticipated.
3. Write down your questions
Being in a consultation can make you nervous, so if you have questions you want to ask the doctor, be sure to write them down so you don’t forget. No matter how silly you think the question may be, ask it if it’s on your mind. This will help you get all the answers you need before going under the knife.
4. Know your medical history
There will be a lot of paperwork you’ll need to fill out to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery, so be sure you know your full medical history and have names and phone numbers of doctors you currently see as well as a list of medications you currently take. The more detailed you are with your medical history, the better your doctor will be able to provide you with the right options and give you an honest timeline of events and recovery.
5. Pay attention to your gut
It’s never a good idea to randomly pick a surgeon and let them start cutting you without listening to your gut. During your consultation, not only should pay attention to the answers your doctor is giving you and how you are being treated, but you should also pay attention to the office. Is the staff nice? Is the office clean? Do you feel comfortable while you’re there or is something not sitting right with you? If you have any indication that something isn’t write or if you’re not comfortable, whether with the surgeon or the facility, then it makes sense for you to find another surgeon in the area to handle your specific needs.
6. Keep finances in mind
There are a variety of ways to pay for cosmetic surgery, but you need to know exactly how you’re going to pay for it before you go in for the procedure. Is this something your insurance will cost? Are you paying out of pocket? Will you be using a Health Savings Account? Do you need special financing? Your surgeon will likely ask these questions during your consultation, so it’s important you have an idea of how you plan to pay for it. Obviously, this may be determined by the cost, so be sure to talk numbers with the doctor without feeling pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with.
Cosmetic surgery is a big decision, which is why the consultation is so important. If you are planning on having any cosmetic surgery done, be sure to use these tips when you meet with your surgeon ahead of time.