Cosmetic surgery — also known as plastic surgery — is a popular treatment for Americans, with over 17.7 million individuals undergoing these procedures in 2018. This number will only continue to grow. Plastic surgery has proven efficient in improving the looks of many, whether used to reconstruct facial features after an accident or defect or to achieve a certain ideal aesthetic.
Knowing the process from first visit to post-operation is important in order to feel mentally and physically prepared for your surgery. Here’s what to expect during your first visit to a cosmetic surgeon.
Choose Your Plastic Surgeon
In order to walk into your appointment with confidence, you’ll have to make sure that you find the right cosmetic surgeon to perform the surgery. Finding the right surgeon will make a difference in how satisfied you are with the results, and whether the operation is effective, long-lasting, and easily able to heal.
When selecting your surgeon, look for things such as board certification, experience, recommendations, and location. After you research your options and successfully choose a surgeon, you should prepare for your first appointment.
Set Up a Consultation
When you go to your first appointment, you should expect to consult with your surgeon about the procedure and evaluate your specific cosmetic needs. This will not only help your surgeon get to know you as a candidate and determine the right process, but will also help prepare you for what to expect and give you a chance to ask any questions you might have before the surgery.
According to standard procedure, your surgeon will ask you a number of questions about your expectations and motivations for getting your cosmetic surgery. They will also talk to you about your medical history to determine if you are safe and clear to go forward with the desired procedure. Cosmetic surgery may not be as efficient if you have had too many medical complications in the past.
Undergo a Physical Exam
After the verbal consultation and evaluation, the surgeon will begin the preliminary physical exam. This standard procedure will allow them to look at and evaluate your body type and make sure that your medical situation is safe enough to perform the cosmetic plastic surgery.
If your surgeon sees any issues or problems in the target area of your body, they may decide that you are not a good candidate for the procedure. They can opt to further examine that specific section of your body through a typical exam or with an X-ray to evaluate whether the surgery will be possible and safe.
Review Evaluation Photos
If your surgeon decides that you are eligible for the surgery, they will take a frontal and side-view photo of the target region of your body. This will allow them to make the necessary adjustments and measurements. Some cosmetic surgeons will use digital technology and image-scanning software in order to show you how the changes will look with the measurements they have made on your photo.
This process will help you determine whether the cosmetic plastic surgery will give you the results you desire. After this point, you will be able to schedule a time for the operation.
Your initial consultation and physical examination can take place up to a month or two in advance of the surgery, depending on scheduling availability.
Being prepared for the evaluations will help you walk into the surgeon’s office with confidence and walk away satisfied with the results.
Do you have any questions about what to expect during your first visit? Thinking about cosmetic surgery and want to schedule a consultation? Contact Athré Facial Plastics today!