It may initially appear somewhat unusual to make preparations for your first consultation with a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery. However, numerous patients have discovered that they tend to feel slightly apprehensive during their initial consultation. Many of them later expressed that they wished they had taken the time to jot down their questions in advance or had a more comprehensive understanding of what to anticipate from the consultation process.
RELATED: Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon – Which Should I Choose?
Being well-prepared for your consultation will not only help alleviate any anxiety you may have but also provide you with a clearer idea of the essential questions you need to ask. This will ensure that you can derive the maximum benefit from your first in-person meeting with your plastic surgeon.
RELATED: Choosing Your Surgeon
To assist you in feeling thoroughly prepared and self-assured during your initial consultation, we have compiled a comprehensive pre-consultation checklist. This valuable resource is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate your first meeting with ease and clarity.
Read Our Plastic Surgery Beginners Guides
- The Beginners Guide to Rhinoplasty
- The Beginners Guide to Eyelid Surgery
- The Beginners Guide to Facelift Surgery
- The Beginners Guide to Breast Augmentation
- The Beginners Guide to Breast Lift Surgery
- The Beginners Guide to Breast Reduction Surgery
- The Beginners Guide to Liposuction
- The Beginners Guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery
- The Beginners Guide to Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery
- The Beginners Guide to Mummy Makeover Surgery
How to prepare for your cosmetic surgery consultation
At times, it can be challenging to determine the best starting point when preparing for your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. It can feel overwhelming, and you might be uncertain about the most pertinent questions to pose during your meeting. We consistently recommend that our prospective patients dedicate some time to reflect on the inquiries they would like to make during their consultation.
To support you in this endeavour, we have meticulously crafted a comprehensive guide that covers crucial questions you should consider asking during your consultation. This resource, which is accessible through the link provided below, has been designed to provide you with a solid foundation for your discussion with the plastic surgeon. We encourage you to review the guide and take notes or write down any additional questions that come to mind. This way, you can ensure that you won’t inadvertently overlook any important topics during your consultation.
RELATED: Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
By taking the time to prepare and familiarise yourself with the suggested questions, you will be well-equipped to engage in a productive and informative conversation with your plastic surgeon. This level of preparedness will undoubtedly boost your confidence and enable you to make the most of your first consultation experience.
What happens at your consultation?
Understanding what to anticipate on the day of your consultation at Centre for Surgery can significantly alleviate any pre-consultation apprehension. It is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of nervousness when they visit us for the first time. Remember, discussing a potential procedure can be a deeply personal and private matter, and undergoing any form of surgery is a significant event in one’s life. It is entirely normal to feel a bit uneasy.
To provide you with a clearer picture, here is a detailed outline of what you can expect during your first consultation at Centre for Surgery:
Upon your arrival at our facility, you will enter the building and be greeted by a member of our welcoming front-of-house team. One of our staff members will proceed to check you in, collecting any additional information that may not have been previously obtained, such as your residential address or height and weight measurements.
Although we make every effort to ensure our surgeons maintain their schedules, it is important to recognise that unforeseen circumstances can occasionally lead to slight delays. Some patients may require extra time with the doctor, or a procedure could take longer than initially anticipated.
As soon as your consultation room becomes available, a patient coordinator will invite you inside. They will verify specific details with you, such as the procedure you are interested in and any other relevant information.
Following this, your surgeon will enter the room, and your consultation will commence. Once the consultation concludes, your patient coordinator will present you with a quote for your desired procedure.
For example, if you visit our clinic for a breast augmentation consultation and are confident in proceeding with the surgery, you will also participate in an implant sizing session with a patient coordinator.
To secure your surgery date, a deposit of £500 is required. After your surgery is booked, our preoperative team will get in touch with you to guide you through the necessary preparations for your upcoming procedure. This ensures that you are well-informed and ready for the experience ahead.
Elaborate on Your Concerns and Anticipated Results
It can be incredibly beneficial to articulate your concerns and expectations in writing. Take the time to make notes about your primary concerns and bring in visual references to support your discussion. This can include images of results that you find appealing as well as those you wish to avoid. Surprisingly, “don’t” pictures can be just as valuable as “wish” pictures in helping you communicate your desired outcome to your surgeon.
Familiarise Yourself with the Surgical and Recovery Process at our Clinic
It is crucial to understand the entire process, from surgery to recovery, so that you can be fully prepared for the experience. For example, you’ll want to know the following: How much time will you need to take off work? How long should you wear a compression garment? How long will it be necessary to have an adult caregiver to assist you during recovery?
RELATED: Cosmetic Surgery Patient Journey
We recommend reviewing our postoperative recovery guide, which provides answers to many of these essential questions and helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of the recovery process.
RELATED: Recovery after Cosmetic Surgery
Review Your BMI
At Centre for Surgery, we prioritize patient safety above all else. Some individuals might be surprised to learn that a patient’s BMI (body mass index) plays a significant role in ensuring a safe and complication-free surgical outcome.
RELATED: The Role of BMI in Determining Cosmetic Surgery Eligibility
For the optimal results and safety of all our patients, we recommend that your BMI be below 30 before undergoing any procedure. In certain instances, a BMI of up to 35 may be acceptable, provided that you receive an anaesthetic assessment to clear you for surgery beforehand. As a result, it is always in the best interest of both the patient and the surgeon to conduct a consultation when the patient is at their ideal BMI.
However, there is one exception to this BMI guideline. This exception pertains to individuals who have already experienced a substantial amount of weight loss (for example, 20-30 kg or more). It is crucial to understand that your surgeon might establish a target weight for you to achieve before scheduling your surgery, primarily due to safety concerns.
RELATED: Post Weight Loss Surgery
The goal weight recommended by your surgeon is intended to ensure that your BMI is reduced to a level that allows you to safely undergo surgery with a minimised risk of complications.
RELATED: Ideal Weight For Tummy Tuck
A high BMI can lead to dangerous complications, such as infection, poor wound healing, difficulty breathing, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and extended recovery time.
If you are unsure about your current BMI, you can utilise our convenient BMI calculator to determine it.
RELATED: Body Mass Index (BMI) & Cosmetic Surgery
Naturally, if you have any questions or concerns about your BMI or any other aspect related to your surgery, our team is readily available to address them. No question or concern is too trivial to discuss with us, and we are committed to providing you with the information and support you need.
Previous Breast Augmentation History
If you have undergone a breast augmentation at another clinic and are seeking breast implant revision surgery at our facility, it is important for us to obtain your previous medical records. These records should contain detailed information about the implants used in your previous procedure. You can acquire this information from the clinic where your previous plastic surgeon performed the surgery.
Having access to your medical history enables our team to better understand your specific situation and tailor the revision surgery to address your needs and concerns effectively.
Exploring Your Financing Options
It is essential to understand that the majority of cosmetic procedures are classified as elective, which means that they are typically not covered by the NHS or private medical insurance. This can impact your decision-making process and financial planning for the procedure.
However, there is one exception to this rule when it comes to breast reduction surgery. If a patient has a cup size of D or larger and experiences physical complaints, such as back and shoulder pain, they may qualify for NHS treatment. It is important to note, though, that the current waiting lists for such treatments can be several years long, which may not be a feasible option for many patients.
At Centre for Surgery, we offer various payment methods to accommodate your needs. We accept payments by credit card (including American Express), debit card, and online banking. This flexibility ensures that you can choose the most convenient option for your financial situation.
In addition to these payment methods, we also provide the option of financing your procedure. Financing can be a viable solution for those who prefer to spread the cost of their surgery over a longer period, making it more manageable and affordable.
To learn more about the financing options available to you, please visit our dedicated financing information page. This resource will help you gain a better understanding of the various plans and terms that you can consider when planning your procedure, allowing you to make a well-informed decision that suits your financial needs and preferences.
Discuss Your Preferred Timeline for Your Procedure
If you have a specific timeline in mind for when you would like your procedure to take place, it is crucial to share this information with both your surgeon and the patient coordinator. By providing these details, we can make an effort to accommodate your preferences and incorporate them into our scheduling plan, ensuring a smooth and well-organised process.
RELATED: Choosing Your Ideal Surgery Date
When considering the timing of your surgery, it is important to account for various factors, such as the amount of time you will need to take off from work and the overall duration of your recovery period. The length of these timelines may vary depending on the specific type of surgery you are undergoing. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the recovery process and how it may impact your personal and professional commitments.
RELATED: Timing Your Cosmetic Surgery Around Pregnancy
