Thinking about cosmetic surgery? Whether it’s a facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or something else, one of the critical steps in the process is the initial consultation. Also known as the “pre-surgical consultation” or the “consult” for short, this meeting is not merely a routine formality—it’s a vital part of communicating your goals with your surgeon so that you receive the results you desire.
Today, we’re helping you learn what to expect, how to prepare, and why it matters.
What to expect at your consultation
To understand why a cosmetic surgery consultation is so important, you first need to know what happens at one. Foremost, this is a chance to discuss your concerns and goals with a highly experienced and knowledgeable board certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. George T. Goffas. He will ask you questions, evaluate your medical history, and perform a physical exam—then offer potential treatment plans to safely and effectively achieve the changes you hope to see.
The consultation covers everything from your medical history, to the potential surgical techniques, to financing.
Dr. Goffas will explain the limitations of the chosen treatment or surgery, and detail how your plan will be unique to your anatomy. Dr. Goffas will also use before and after photos of previous patients at this stage to help you get a better idea of his aesthetic approach and what can realistically be achieved. He may additionally order lab tests to confirm that you are a good candidate for the procedures you seek (for example, a current mammogram may be requested for breast surgery patients).
Finally, expect the consult to include a thorough breakdown of the procedure you are considering, detailing what to expect before, during, and after, the potential risks and complications, and the recovery process. If you are interested in booking treatment, our patient coordinators will create a comprehensive fee quote for you and, if desired, go over financing options that can help to break costs into monthly installments.
Why is a consultation important?
The consultation matters for 3 major reasons:
#1. You will get to ask questions of and evaluate the surgeon—and make sure they are the right fit for you.
You will want to make sure that your cosmetic surgeon is board-certified and has extensive experience in the procedure you are considering. During the consultation, don’t be shy about asking the surgeon about their credentials, their experience, and their approach to patient care. After all, it is your body, and you deserve the best care possible.
Ask yourself, “Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon?” They shouldn’t make you feel pressured to book surgery, and you should feel comfortable entrusting your safety to them. It is important that they are a “good fit” for you in terms of communicating in addition to being well-qualified to perform your procedure or cosmetic surgery.
#2. You will have the chance to understand your options, including alternative procedures or less invasive options.
Many patients come to a consultation to discuss one procedure, only to learn that there’s alternative ways to reach their goals. For example, you may be contemplating a neck lift but could benefit more from a facelift, which typically treats both the neck and the lower-to-midface for more comprehensive, natural-looking results. Having an open and honest conversation with your surgeon will help ensure that you end up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
#3. You will be able to establish realistic expectations for surgical outcomes.
No matter how skilled your surgeon is, there are limitations to what plastic surgery can achieve and there are often trade-offs like scars which take some time to fade. During the consultation, your surgeon will explain what you can realistically expect from your procedure and show you photos of patients who resemble you in the “before” images. This will help prevent disappointment stemming from unrealistic expectations.
Checklist: How to prepare for the consult
Preparing in advance for your surgical consultation helps to make the meeting more productive, getting you closer to a final treatment plan that much faster. Set the stage for an ideal consultation with these steps:
1. Make a list of questions
Write down a list of all the questions and concerns you have about the procedure, results, scars, recovery period, potential risks, common complications, and anything else you want to know. In addition to surgery questions, it is completely normal and polite to ask a surgeon, “What are your qualifications, training, and experience with this specific procedure?”
You may think you will remember everything, but writing things down ensures you won’t forget important questions—and helps you to reflect and think through all the possible points you’d like to touch on ahead of time. The more thorough your list, the better prepared you’ll feel for your consultation.
Note that, if you are comparing multiple surgeons, using the same questions at each consultation can help you make an accurate comparison.
2. Do your research
Educating yourself about potential cosmetic procedures (and learning some of the lingo) will help you to have a more well-informed conversation with your surgeon. While social media can be helpful to a degree, understand that photographs of procedures can be manipulated and you should only trust reputable sources of cosmetic surgery information, versus assuming any “influencers” you follow are delivering a realistic representation of the cosmetic surgery experience or their results.
Established sites such as RealSelf, The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and cosmetic surgery practice websites can offer an overview, as well as special insights, on the procedure you have in mind.
3. Collect photos that represent your “goal” look
Articulating the goal you have in mind for surgery isn’t always as easy as you would think, so any “wish pics” you can save will be an invaluable tool to bring to the consultation. Remember that every individual’s anatomy is unique, so some results you see online may not be possible on your body. We recommend looking at plastic surgery before and after photos with a focus on locating patients who look a lot like you in the “before” photos, who also have “after” results you love; these can offer a clearer sense of what’s possible.
In addition to online before and after photos, thorough cosmetic surgeons keep a much larger archive of their past patients’ photos in the office to share during consultations. This will be a helpful tool in determining whether you like the surgeon’s aesthetic and learning what results are possible for you.
4. Make sure you have all your medical files on hand
While our receptionist will talk with you about this when you make your appointment, keep in mind that your surgeon requires a comprehensive understanding of your medical history in order to determine if you are a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. Gather information about past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and any prescriptions and supplements you’re currently taking to allow your cosmetic surgeon to thoroughly evaluate your candidacy for the surgery and create a safe treatment plan that best suits your body.
5. Set aside enough time for a thorough consultation
Set aside plenty of time for a thorough conversation with your cosmetic surgeon. Treat this as an opportunity to get to know the surgeon, make sure they’re a good fit, and gather any information you need to make your decision about surgery. You should have their full attention; make sure that you are also ready to be fully present for this potentially life-changing conversation.
6. Consider bringing a supportive friend or family member
If you’re comfortable doing so, you may want to bring along a supportive, non-judgmental friend or family member to the consultation. They can provide emotional support, help you remember the information shared during the consultation, and potentially offer an additional perspective as you make important decisions about your procedure plan and timing. That said, it is important to remember to never let anyone pressure you into changing your appearance, and you are not required to bring anyone—cosmetic surgery should be a highly personal decision, made only if you feel 100% excited to move forward.
Remember that your cosmetic surgery consultation is not just a preliminary step—it’s a milestone of your plastic surgery journey. Go into your consult well-prepared to help ensure a more beneficial and productive meeting with your surgeon.
Meet with Dr. George Goffas in St. Clair Shores
At our St. Clair Shores cosmetic surgery practice, we consider the consultation to be a fundamental aspect of your plastic surgery journey. Dr. George T. Goffas meets personally with each patient in your consultation, ensuring that you receive a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs and goals. We believe in open, honest communication, and Dr. Goffas and his team are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
To schedule a consultation today, call 586-773-6900 or send us a message online. We look forward to helping you embark on your plastic surgery journey!
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