Do you have a virtual consultation scheduled with your plastic surgeon regarding your breast or other cosmetic surgery? Here are 14 questions you must make sure you ask during this consultation.
One of the most important aspects of cosmetic surgery, such as breast surgery or liposuction, is the consultation with your plastic surgeon. This appointment sets the stage for everything that happens next and it’s an essential part of reaching your treatment goals. That’s why you must always make this consultation a priority.
Whether you’re opting for a breast augmentation, breast lift, or other cosmetic procedure, your consultation is a time where your surgeon will:
- Listen to your concerns and aesthetic goals
- Help you choose the right procedure to help you get your desired results
- Ask questions about your medical history to ensure your surgery and recovery goes as safely as possible
- Talk to you about the benefits and risks of your chosen surgery
Book a Virtual Consultation With Our Kelowna Plastic Surgeon
If you are considering a cosmetic breast surgery, such as an augmentation, breast mastopexy, or any other cosmetic surgery, then book a virtual consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
During this online appointment, we can discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and general health, as well as give you a quote and answer any questions you have about your prospective procedure.
TELEHEALTH SERVICES AND VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS WITH OUR PLASTIC SURGEON
Top Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
It is always best to go into your plastic surgery consultation prepared. This will ensure both you and your cosmetic surgeon will get the most out of this appointment. From reviewing before and after photographs, to learning about any pre-op and post-op care, here are some of the most important questions to address during this appointment.
Plastic Surgeons’ Expertise and Aesthetics
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What procedure would you recommend for me? While the decision about which surgery you’ll have is ultimately up to you, your surgeon will be able to take a more holistic look at the situation and offer a series of options for which you are a good candidate.
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How often have you performed this procedure? It’s always best to go with a surgeon who has performed your desired treatment a number of times, as this means they’ve had a chance to refine their technique and specialize in it. This question will give you a better sense of their expertise.
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Do you have any before and after photographs? Don’t be shy about asking for these photographs! In addition to seeing how the results turned out for different types of patients, you’ll also get a better idea of the surgeon’s aesthetic.
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Can I get in touch with previous patients? If a friend or family member didn’t recommend the surgeon, then asking to speak with an existing patient (preferably one who had the same surgery you’re interested in) can be an excellent way to learn more about the doctor, practice, and overall experience.
Cost and Pre-Surgery Care
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What is the cost breakdown of the procedure? To avoid any hidden fees or surprises, ask for a comprehensive overview that includes pre-op and post-op care. While it’s impossible to foresee any complications, getting a sense of any additional expenses that might pop up will allow you to budget accordingly.
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How many pre-op appointments will I need? Form bloodwork to imaging, there may be several pre-op appointments needed. Ask about these to get a better sense of what the timeline looks like from the day you book your procedure until your last follow up appointment. This will ensure you are able to make the commitment.
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Do I need to do anything before getting the procedure? Whether you need to lose weight before a body contouring procedure, or press pause on your skincare routine in the days leading up to your surgery, ask your surgeon to give you a sense of any pre-operative instructions or guidelines.
Safety Rules
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Where will you perform the procedure? Enquire about whether the procedure will be performed in a hospital or on an outpatient basis. Whatever the case, you’ll want to make sure the facility is accredited. Also be sure your surgeon has hospital privileges to avoid possible risks in case of an emergency.
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Will this procedure require anesthesia? Make sure to find out whether or not your procedure requires anesthesia, and if so, you’ll want to know who is administering it. Be sure there will be a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse on hand to administer the anesthesia and monitor it throughout the procedure.
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What happens if there is an emergency during the procedure? No matter how qualified your surgeon, cosmetic procedures always carry risks. Confirming that there are processes in place to deal with any unexpected events or emergencies in the operating room can provide you with peace of mind.
Recovery and Results
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What downtime should I expect? Most surgical procedures will require several days of downtime. Ask your doctor for the breakdown of the recovery period, including when you can return to work, and how long before you can return to certain levels of activity. Don’t forget to inquire about the side effects (eg. swelling, bruising, or pain) you should expect during this phase.
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Can I have written post-op instructions? Recovering from cosmetic surgery isn’t something you want to do blindly and most surgeons will have written post-operative instructions available for patients that detail everything from pain medications and icing schedules, to when you can return to day-to-day activities. As simple as it may seem, you want to make sure you have something to refer back to when it comes time to navigate the recovery period.
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How many follow up appointments will I need? While this exact number will vary, at least one post-op appointment will be needed in the first week. Often, patients can expect to meet their surgeon several times in the months following the procedure, and it’s important to have a sense of this timeline before booking.
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How long until I see my results? While the healing process will depend on each individual patient, there are some general timelines that can shed light on when you’ll start seeing your results. While the results of some procedures are immediate, others can take even a year to fully reveal themselves. You’ll want to be sure your expectations are managed beforehand.
Start Planning Your Cosmetic Surgery Today
If you are considering a cosmetic surgery, now is a great time to book a telephone or virtual consultation with your plastic surgeon. We can use this opportunity to determine your candidacy and provide you with key information regarding the surgery you want.
If you decide you want to go ahead, we can begin getting the medical clearances completed, so that you will be fully prepared for your procedure when the time comes. To find out more, call us at (250) 868-9799 or fill out our online contact form.
