How to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and confused when it comes to plastic surgery procedures. Medical terminology can be intimidating; however, plastic surgery consultations can help alleviate your concerns and answer any questions you might have. Here at Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery, we require our patients to have a consultation prior to surgery. This is where you can discuss your aesthetic goals and also ensure that both you and your surgeon have a mutual understanding of expectations.

At MacLeod Trail Plastic Surgery, we want to ensure that you have a productive and informative consultation! We have a few tips on how you can prepare for your plastic surgery consultation:

Having a basic idea of what you want is important. You can conduct some general research on the procedures that you are interested in, for example, if you want a tummy tuck and breast augmentation you can look into getting a Mommy Makeover. You can also research what plastic surgery clinics specialize in those procedures. Another great tip is to look at the plastic surgeon’s before and after gallery or their online social media. This will give you a better idea of their previous work, client testimonials, and will allow you to decide if their work aligns with your goals.

When you book your consultation, you should be advised as to how long your consultation will take. For example, here at Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery, we book our consultations for 90 minutes to 2 hours (depending upon the procedure). You will be fully informed of the procedures that you are requesting, and our surgeons will take the time to hear your thoughts and questions. This time frame also allows them to make recommendations tailored to your body as well as giving you an opportunity to review and/or book surgical dates if desired. We find that when patients rush through their consultations, it can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. By ensuring that you make enough time in your schedule, the consultation should cover all your questions and leave you feeling informed and knowledgeable!

Prior to your consultation, you should be sent documents from your chosen surgeon’s office requesting information about your medical history. Be sure to fill these out prior to your consultation. These forms are confidential to you and highlight all medications and/or conditions to determine if you are eligible for surgery. It is essential that you are transparent when completing your forms as your safety is our top priority.

Before your consultation, make a list of any questions you might have. This ensures you won’t forget anything when you are face-to-face with your Calgary plastic surgeon. You can also bring a notebook or your phone to take notes. Lastly, don’t limit your questions to the procedure, ask about your plastic surgeon’s history and experience. Some examples include:

• How frequently have you performed this procedure?
• What is the recovery process like?
• What kind of anesthesia do you use?
• Do you offer financing options?
• How long is the wait between the consultation date and surgical date?
• What is your experience and background in plastic surgery?

Once you have conducted your research, picked a date, gathered your medical history and prepared a list of questions, you are one step closer to accomplishing your plastic surgery goals! The next step will be to schedule an appointment. You can book online or call us at (403) 452-7953 to schedule a consultation.