How to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

A patient reviews her list of questions during her plastic surgery consultation.

The first step in any plastic surgery journey is scheduling a consultation. As a plastic surgeon in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area, I love having a chance to chat one-on-one with patients and discuss their treatment options. Unfortunately, some patients new to cosmetic procedures are nervous about the process. They are unsure of what to expect and don’t know which questions to ask.

Starting plastic surgery research can be an overwhelming experience—but you’re definitely not alone. In this blog post, we’ll outline some helpful topics that you can research before heading into your own plastic surgery consultation.

Research Treatment Options

Plastic surgery is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Nearly every cosmetic issue has both surgical and nonsurgical solutions. For example, if you’re struggling with the loss of facial volume, dermal fillers can help plump up your skin. But if you’re looking for a long-lasting, dramatic change, a facelift could be your best option.

Be sure to research different kinds of treatment choices that may help you reach your aesthetic goals. You can then present these possibilities to your doctor and hear their professional opinion. 

View Before-and-After Photos

Because no two patients are the same, a surgeon can’t “recreate” someone else’s exact results. But before-and-after photos can still be a great way to get an idea of the kind of results a procedure can achieve. Many surgeons have different “styles,” so find a doctor who can create the look you’re seeking. By seeing examples of recent patient results, you can feel more confident in your surgery decision.

Bring in a few reference photos that highlight the kind of results you’re looking for. By using these pictures as a baseline, you and your doctor can have common ground to guide your conversation.

Find a Surgeon You Can Trust

Plastic surgery is as much an art as it is a science. Experience, credentials, and a kind bedside manner are all important factors. Before heading into a consultation, try to familiarize yourself with your doctor’s professional history, reviews, and testimonials. A lot of this information can be found on the surgeon’s website or by browsing places such as RealSelf.com. 

The title of “best plastic surgeon” means a lot of things to different people, but that doesn’t mean the surgeon is “best” for you. Take the time during your consultation to see if your personality works well with your doctor’s. They will be your partner throughout this process, so make sure you feel comfortable and get along well.

There’s no reason to feel anxious about your plastic surgery consultation. By following these guidelines, you can head into your meeting with confidence and know exactly what you’re seeking. If you would like to schedule your own one-on-one conversation, you can request a consultation online. You can also call our Scottsdale office at (480) 214-9955.

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