A plastic surgery consultation is a crucial meeting that benefits both the patient and the surgeon. As a patient, it serves as a valuable opportunity for you to meet your potential plastic surgeon, ask questions, and explore which procedures can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. For us, the consultation is where we can begin to understand your unique goals by delving into your aesthetic desires and motivations for the changes you are hoping to make. Here's what you can do to prepare for your consultation.

1. Define Your Goals.

Before you even step through our doors, take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve. Be as specific as possible. Instead of just saying "I want to look younger," consider what aspects you'd like to address. Is it fine lines around your eyes? A sagging jawline? A desire for more defined cheekbones?

To ensure a productive consultation, here are a few questions you can contemplate prior to your consultation:

• What improvements would you most like to make to your face?

• What are your concerns or road blocks to having a cosmetic surgical procedure?

• What do you expect to achieve for yourself and your life with any aesthetic improvement?

• How likely is it that you would be satisfied with improvement and not “perfection”?

By reflecting on these questions, you can better articulate your desires and goals, facilitating a more personalized and successful consultation.

2. Research and Gather Information

While your consultation is for personalized advice, a little preliminary research can help you ask more informed questions. Familiarize yourself with the general concepts of the procedures you're interested in. Our website is designed to provide you with the information on each facial plastic surgery procedure offered at Visage Facial Plastic Surgery. You don't need to be an expert, but a basic understanding will help you follow the conversation during your phone screening and in-person consultation. Our website answers questions such as:

• What is the duration of surgery?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used?
• Where will the incisions be made?
• What is the recovery like?
• What is the estimated cost?

3. Be Transparent About Your Medical History

Your health and safety are our top priorities. Providing a complete and accurate medical history is absolutely crucial.

• List all medications: On your intake forms, include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Disclose allergies: Inform us of any allergies you have, especially to medications or anesthesia.
• Detail past surgeries and medical conditions: This includes any previous cosmetic procedures, even minor ones.
• Be honest about lifestyle habits: This includes smoking, alcohol consumption, and any recreational drug use. These factors can significantly impact your candidacy for surgery and your recovery.

4. Understand Your Lifestyle and Recovery Needs

Consider how surgery and recovery might fit into your current lifestyle.

• Time off work/responsibilities: How much time can you realistically dedicate to recovery?
• Support system: Do you have someone who can help you during your initial recovery period?
• Travel plans: If you have upcoming travel, discuss how this might affect your surgical timeline.

5. Be Prepared to Discuss Costs

But don't let cost be the only determining factor. It's generally best to focus on your desired outcomes, the quality of your surgeon and the recommended procedures first.

• Price ranges for each procedure are listed in our FAQ.
• Insurance: Most cosmetic plastic surgeries are not covered by insurance. Be prepared for this.
• Financing options: Inquire about any financing plans or payment options that may be available. At Visage, we offer financing through Care Credit.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your in-person consultation at Visage Facial Plastic Surgery, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment. Dr. Patel will:

• Listen attentively to your concerns and goals.
• Conduct a thorough examination of the areas you wish to address.
• Discuss various treatment options, explaining the pros and cons of each.
• Show you before-and-after photos of similar cases (with patient consent).
• Answer all your questions comprehensively.
• Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and desires.

By taking the time to prepare, you will feel more confident, articulate your wishes clearly, and gain a deeper understanding of your options. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals! Schedule your phone pre-consultation with Visage Facial Plastic Surgery today.