What can you expect when you visit a plastic surgeon?
What can you expect when you visit a plastic surgeon?
As a plastic surgeon, I am fortunate to see patients for a variety of different reasons including cosmetic concerns, after pregnancy or weight loss, and for reconstruction after skin/breast cancers. It can often be intimidating to meet a new doctor, and I hope to use this post to familiarize you with what to expect at these consultations.
When you arrive at my office, you will check in at the front desk and complete a questionnaire about your past medical and surgical history, family history, social history, current medications, and breast/gynecologic history. It is essential to answer all questions honestly and with as much information as possible so that we can optimize your care and safety.
My fantastic nurse, Sarah, will help settle you comfortably in an exam room. I will then meet with you to review your medical history and your goals for your visit. The physical exam component of our consultation will focus on the area that brought you in. I treat many conditions and will tailor your visit to address your needs best. For example, if you are coming for a breast augmentation, be prepared for a thorough breast history and exam during your evaluation.
Photographs are essential to a thorough evaluation as they allow me to assess multiple angles pre-operatively, plan for surgery, and follow post-operative outcomes. We can review these images to ensure we have the same objectives and goals. After signing a photo consent, you will be brought to a particular photography room and we will then take multiple photographs from different orientations. These photos will be stored securely in the office, only be seen by me, and used for medical evaluation.
Depending on the reason for your visit, we will have you get dressed and discuss non-invasive or surgical options for each patient. If you are in the clinic for a skin care evaluation, botox, or injectables, we will likely be able to proceed forward with treatment at that visit. If you are coming for a surgical procedure, we will have a detailed, informative discussion regarding how we can best achieve your goals safely and beautifully. We can also review pre-operative and post-operative photos of other patients who have undergone the same surgery you want.
At the end of our visit, you will meet with our schedulers, who can assist you with insurance authorization or cosmetic price quotes, answer any questions, and even help you find a date for surgery that works best for you.
I look forward to meeting you and hope this knowledge helps put you at ease before your visit.
