You've Booked Your Consultation. Now What?
Part 3 of a 3-part series on preparing for cosmetic surgery
A consultation is an opportunity to learn about a procedure, understand your individual anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for surgery.
I encourage patients to come prepared.
Bring the Following Information
Your goals
Think about what you would like to change and, equally importantly, what you would like to keep the same.
Wish photographs
Photographs can be helpful when discussing your goals, particularly if they demonstrate a general shape or aesthetic that you like. They are not a guarantee of what can be achieved, but they can help your surgeon understand your preferences.
Your questions
Write your questions down before your appointment. It is surprisingly easy to forget them once you are sitting in the consultation room.
Your medical history
Bring a list of your medical conditions, medications, allergies, previous operations, mental health history, and medical treatments. Include vitamins, supplements, and other substances you use or previous addictions.
Being open and honest about your health history is essential. Information that may seem unrelated to your surgery can sometimes affect surgical planning, anesthesia, wound healing, or your risk of complications.
If You Are Considering Breast Surgery
For breast procedures, it can be helpful to know:
- Your current breast size
- Your ideal or desired breast size
- Whether you prefer a more natural or more augmented appearance
- Your history of pregnancy and breastfeeding, if applicable
- Your previous breast procedures
- Details of any existing implants
If you have previously had breast surgery, bring your operative reports and implant information if available. Important implant details can include the manufacturer, implant type, size, projection, fill material, and placement.
Your surgeon may also recommend breast imaging based on your age, personal history, family history, symptoms, and the type of surgery being considered. Your surgeon can advise you on what imaging is appropriate for you.
Patients Don't Like Surprises
Most surgical offices will provide general information before a consultation. This may include information about common procedures, approximate costs, potential contraindications, questionnaires, and medical intake forms.
These resources serve an important purpose. They help patients understand what to expect, allow the surgical team to assess whether a consultation is appropriate, and make the consultation itself more productive.
Surgeons Don't Like Surprises Either
One of the most important things you can do as a patient is to be completely honest with your surgical team.
Please disclose your medical conditions, previous treatments and surgeries, medications, supplements, allergies, smoking or nicotine use, history of current or previous substance use, and any other information that may be relevant to your health.
It can be tempting to leave out information because you are worried that it might prevent you from having surgery. However, withholding important medical information can compromise your safety, affect recovery, and potentially affect the surgical result.
Your surgeon's job is not to judge you. It is to understand your health well enough to determine whether surgery can be performed safely and what can be done to minimize your risks.
Give Yourself Time
Finally, plan enough time for your consultation.
Depending on the procedure and the complexity of your medical history, a consultation may take 45 to 90 minutes or longer. Try to avoid scheduling other commitments immediately afterward so that you do not feel rushed.
These appointments involve a significant amount of information. Having time to listen, ask questions, and think through the options is an important part of informed decision-making.
For the same reason, I generally recommend arranging childcare rather than bringing young children to a consultation when possible. These appointments require your full attention, and you may be discussing sensitive medical information and making important decisions.
The Goal Is an Informed Decision
Choosing cosmetic surgery is not simply about choosing a procedure. It is about deciding whether surgery is appropriate for you, whether now is the right time, and whether you have found the right surgeon and support system.
Do your research. Ask questions. Be honest about your health and your motivations. Understand the risks, recovery, financial commitment, and possibility that your result may not be exactly what you imagined.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to take your time.
A good consultation should leave you feeling more informed, not more pressured.
The right decision may be to proceed with surgery. It may be to wait. And sometimes, the best decision is not to have surgery at all.
The goal is not simply to have surgery. The goal is to make a decision that is safe, thoughtful, and right for you.
Looking for more guidance? Read our companion post: 10 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Cosmetic Surgery
