The consultation visit is a time where the patient is able to address their concerns while outlining their aesthetic goals. In turn the surgeon is able to give recommendations aligning with those goals while still keeping in mind the patients past medical history and future safety while undergoing potential surgery.
Preparing for a consultation is a necessary step in order to refine your aesthetic goals. It is recommended to think about questions you may have for the surgeon prior to your visit and reference them throughout your time together. Here are some common questions patients may address:
What do you think is the best way to achieve these aesthetic goals?
When consulting with a plastic surgeon, it is important to have your own overall aesthetic goals in mind. Your surgeon will then be able to take these factors into account when deciding if a specific procedure is right for you. By setting a preference of your desired outcome, your surgeon is able to tailor your needs with a specific surgical plan based on their own expertise.
How much will this cost for me?
The time spent in your consultation is a way to gather all the necessary information you need in order to decide whether you would like to move forward with a specific treatment. This decision typically includes cost. Based on surgical or treatment plans, your surgeon or administrative coordinator will be able to provide a detailed cost estimate based on the assessment.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
As always, when undergoing a surgical procedure, there are risks involved and it is important to discuss these with your plastic surgeon. The most common risk associated with plastic surgery is when patients undergo anesthesia. It is important to discuss the type of anesthesia care associated with your surgical plans and then take into account any risks or complications associated with that. Your surgeon should take the time during the consultation process to review your medical history and take into account any applicable risks associated with potential surgery.
How long will it take me to recover and what does that process look like?
Recovery is an important aspect of undergoing surgery or any procedure. The timeline of returning to work, normal activities, and exercise should be discussed at your consultation. In the days following surgery it is important to have a plan in place depending on how much additional support you will need. It may be required you have friends or family assist you for days after surgery and knowing this up front is helpful for planning purposes.
Overall, the consultation process is a time for you! Use it to determine how you will achieve your desired results, your surgeon is there to help you through the process. If you’re considering booking a consultation for with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kim, please contact our clinic at 312-694-0879 or through the request form in the header.