Preparing for Your First Consultation

Your first consultation is an important opportunity to discuss your goals, learn about your options, and determine if you and your surgeon are a good fit. Being well-prepared will help you make the most of this meeting and move forward with confidence in your decision.

Before Your Appointment

Start by clarifying your goals. Take time to think about what you hope to achieve and why it's important to you. Be honest with yourself about your motivations and expectations.

Gather your medical history, including any previous surgeries, current medications, allergies, and relevant family medical history. If you've had mammograms or other breast imaging, bring those records or arrange for them to be sent to the surgeon's office.

Research the surgeon's credentials, experience, and patient reviews. Make sure they're board-certified in plastic surgery and have specific experience with the procedures you're considering.

Questions to Ask

Prepare a list of questions about the procedure itself: What techniques do you recommend for my situation? What are the risks and potential complications? What will recovery be like?

Ask about the surgeon's experience: How many of these procedures have you performed? Can I see before-and-after photos of your work? Can you provide patient references?

Discuss practical matters: What are the costs? What's included in the price? What happens if I need a revision? What if I have complications?

During the Consultation

Be completely honest about your health, lifestyle, and goals. Your surgeon can only give you the best advice if they have all the relevant information.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. A good surgeon will take time to ensure you fully understand all aspects of the procedure and feel comfortable with your decision.

Pay attention to how the surgeon and staff treat you. Do they listen carefully? Do they answer your questions thoroughly? Do you feel respected and understood?

What to Expect from Your Surgeon

Your surgeon should perform a physical examination and take measurements. They should discuss your anatomy, explain what's realistic for your body, and help you understand what results you can expect.

They should clearly explain all your options, including the pros and cons of different approaches. They should also discuss risks, potential complications, and what happens if you're not satisfied with results.

A good surgeon will not pressure you to make a decision immediately. They should encourage you to take time to think, do additional research if needed, and possibly seek a second opinion.

After the Consultation

Take time to review any materials provided and reflect on the information discussed. How did you feel during the consultation? Did the surgeon listen to your concerns? Do you feel confident in their abilities?

Don't hesitate to follow up with additional questions. A good practice will welcome your calls or emails and provide thoughtful responses.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to seek other opinions. The right surgeon will make you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your choice.