Elective medical procedures require significant preparation and research to evaluate not only the benefits of that treatment, but also the different treatment options available to you, the providers and their own offerings, the costs associated with those treatments, and even the risks accompanying each procedure. Given the sheer amount of considerations that need to be made, it’s safe to say that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal one, and should thus be made with all the right information as well as with support from experts like a cosmetic surgeon and a dedicated cosmetic consultant.
To further support patients who may be considering undergoing cosmetic surgery, we’ll be sharing our top tips on how best to prepare yourself for your preliminary consultation with your cosmetic facility and clinician. Continue reading to learn what questions you should ask to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
Evaluate your Motivation
Before scheduling a visit, do considerable introspection and try to nail down the underlying desires for this procedure. Be aware that reasoning tends to swing widely depending on each person’s experiences. For instance, some patients may be looking to correct perceived flaws (i.e. crooked nose, double chin, etc.) to boost their self-confidence, whilst others are looking to undergo a reconstructive procedure to recover from an injury or illness that may have left some scars.
With that, it’s beneficial that you’re aware of your own motivation or the goals behind your surgery well before you go under the knife. Be honest with yourself and reflect on the reasoning that causes you to consider a cosmetic procedure. Is it a physical appearance feature that has long bothered you? Are you seeking a more youthful appearance or improving the proportion and symmetry of certain features? Better clarifying these specific points will help you clearly articulate your goals to the consultant.
You’ll also need clarity on your expectations and a substantial awareness of the current limitations of the cosmetic procedures field. Talking honestly with your surgeon will allow for a better understanding of what can realistically be achieved.
Finding Providers
Your search for an elective procedure provider should begin with trusted sources – your current healthcare provider(s), family, friends, and colleagues who’ve perhaps considered or gone through this surgical procedure. Thankfully, with millions of Australians now considering cosmetic surgery every year, you should have a good network to draw anecdotal insights from.
If you’ll need some information from other sources though, then we highly recommend that you take full advantage of locally categorised online resources, including medical directories and reviews, offering insights into the reputation and expertise of elective procedure surgeons. Focus on specific board certifications related to the service you seek, their experience levels, specialisation, and track record of success. It’s also well worth finding a clinician in your vicinity that ticks all these boxes. Ensure your convenience and safety by verifying the surgeon and staff use accredited clinics or hospital facilities in your locale.
Finally, always look for before-and-after comparison galleries or case studies where previous patients’ outcomes are displayed to gain a realistic preview of what you can expect from these potential candidates’ work. If noted within the testimonials, consider those patients’ initial concerns and goals for their procedures. Are these points similar to your own? This may allow for better clarity about the surgeon’s ability to provide the results you hope for.
Prepare for the Meeting
Once you’ve found your ideal provider, it’s now time to consider what you’d like to cover in your preliminary consultation. To begin, compile a relevant personal medical history summary to maximise your consultation’s benefits. Include your known allergies, current medications, previous injuries and surgeries, and pre-existing conditions. Be transparent about the details to allow your consultant to better evaluate your candidacy for the procedure and ensure your safety.
Next, compile all your questions, concerns, and goals regarding the outcome of your desired procedure. This prepared list might include topics on the surgical technique, recovery time and processes, potential risks and complications, and historical success and failure rates of similar surgeries on persons with similar age and health profiles.
Be sure to also assess the benefits and risks of your procedure. Like all surgeries, cosmetic surgeries can come with their fair share of risks, including anaesthesia complications, scarring, and infections. Another potential problem is dissatisfaction. Talk with your consultant about alternative outcomes and how surgeons handle these situations, including options for reversing the changes.
Think about your future as it relates to the long-term effects. What story does the historical data tell about the procedure you want? Will the benefits be immediately recognised? Will cosmetic work evolve over time, and will subsequent maintenance or follow-up work be required to maintain the surgery’s appearance? Knowing what you’re in for over the long term can help you determine whether or not the procedure is right for you. So don’t be afraid to ask all of these questions and more during your preliminary consultation.
Understand the Recovery
Speaking of the long-term, it’s also wise to gain a specific understanding of your responsibilities for post-operative care requirements, including physical movement limitations related to exercise, housework, child care, and potential time off from work. Depending on your surgery’s invasive/non-invasive nature, you might face significant downtime to rest and heal. You may need transportation to and from appointments.
But recovery doesn’t just refer to self-care. You will also need to factor in your professional and domestic responsibilities to your recovery timeline. In other words, plan for scheduled vacation time, address childcare responsibilities (if applicable), acquire post-operative prescriptions, and secure personal assistance for daily tasks at home. Anticipate putting a small support network in place to provide emotional support and minimise stress, allowing you to focus on a safe and thorough recovery. Doing this life maintenance stuff now can help ensure your recovery process is undisturbed, which can increase your chances of achieving exceptional results post-surgery.
Proceed at your Own Pace
With all these boxes ticked you should be able to enjoy a successful preliminary cosmetic surgery consultation. So what’s next?
After consultation, take ample time to review everything discussed and allow further questions to pop up. If you took notes and asked follow-up questions, review that data and discuss your findings with family and loved ones.
Always remember that there’s no rush. Maintain an open mind receptive to alternative options to your initial plan since a better solution might lead to equally satisfying results.
Cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal and medically significant decision requiring considerable preparation and data gathering. Take as much time as you need to educate yourself about this procedure’s potential benefits and risks. Seek guidance from your consultant and surgeon to ensure you’ve covered all the bases.
