Plastic surgery is the reconstruction of body parts by transferring or removing tissue. It can help restore function and a normal look after accidents, treatments, or congenital conditions. Here is what to expect at your plastic surgery consultation:
Initial Discussion
The initial discussion during your consultation allows you to share your aesthetic goals and what you hope to achieve through surgery. A surgeon asks questions to understand your reasons for seeking plastic surgery and addresses any concerns you may have. Your conversation helps establish a rapport between you and the surgeon. The surgeon inquires about your medical history, including previous medications, surgeries, and allergies.
Physical Examination
A surgeon performs a physical examination to assess the area you are interested in re-structuring. The physical examination involves assessing your face, breasts, body, or skin. The surgeon examines your muscle tone and asymmetries that might affect the procedure. For facelifts, the surgeon looks into your skin elasticity, facial structure, and wrinkles. During physical examinations, the surgeon may need to take measurements and photographs of the surgical area. You can use the photos to compare before and after results.
Medical Evaluation
As part of a broader health check, the surgeon performs a medical assessment to test whether you are fit for surgery. They measure your blood pressure and heart rate and assess your respiratory and cardiovascular health. These checks help doctors identify underlying issues that could impact the procedure or your recovery. The doctor assesses your medical results against your aesthetic goals and provides you with a detailed explanation of the applicable surgical options.
Lifestyle Discussion
The lifestyle discussion phase of a plastic surgery consultation allows you to talk about your daily habits and how they may impact the procedure. Your surgeon asks about your smoking habits and may advise you to quit smoking before surgery. They recommend a healthy diet with plenty of water to help flush toxins out of your body.
Through lifestyle discussions, you can explore how your current habits may need to change temporarily for the best results. If you are planning to get a liposuction or tummy tuck, you may need to maintain a stable weight post-surgery. Your surgeon can suggest a diet containing high protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats to reduce weight gain.
Risk Assessment
During this phase, your surgeon discusses the potential complications of plastic surgery. Your doctor informs and prepares you for the risks that you may face. Less invasive procedures have milder risks of discomfort after the session. Depending on age and pre-existing medical conditions, more invasive surgeries carry a higher risk. Doctors also screen you for other conditions that may need further evaluation.
Implant Discussion
For procedures like breast augmentation, your surgeon explains to you the different implant options. They explain the differences between silicone and saline implants, highlighting their pros and cons. Doctors discuss achievable shapes like round or teardrop and their varying textures. Your surgeon assesses your body type and recommends a compatible implant type.
Further discussions help assess how different implant sizes and profiles can affect your appearance. Your surgeon measures your chest dimensions to tailor an implant size for a natural look. The surgeon can place the implant behind or in front of the muscle. A patient with a slim body may achieve better coverage if the implant is placed under the muscle.
Procedure Details
During your plastic surgery consultation, the surgeon delves into the specifics of the procedure. They explain the surgical techniques and the type of anesthesia to be used. Depending on the procedure type, your surgeon outlines the incision locations and how they can minimize scarring. They will also give you more information on how to prepare for the surgery and post-operation steps.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery
Doctors can tailor cosmetic procedures based on your age and body type to help achieve your desired outcomes. They perform comprehensive facial, breast, body, and skin cosmetic procedures. Contact a reputable plastic surgeon to learn more about the surgery options they offer.