Plastic surgery is something that many people consider for years. It takes physical, emotional, and mental preparation before going under the knife. If you feel you’re ready for a procedure, the first step in the process is to do thorough due diligence and educate yourself about all aspects of the procedure(s) you desire. Here are some “dos and don’ts” that patients should keep in mind when they visit a doctor for a plastic surgery consultation.
DO:
DO research your doctor.
To ensure that your surgeon is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure you wish to have, be sure to get answers to the following questions:
Is your surgeon a specialist?
Is your surgeon fellowship trained in facial plastic surgery?
Does your surgeon personally meet with the patients during their consultations?
Does your surgeon have before and after photos of previous surgeries?
How frequently does your surgeon perform the procedure you want?
DO ask the right questions.
It’s so important to be prepared when you have your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. It’s perfectly normal to show up with a list of questions for the doctor. Below, we’ve listed some questions that The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends you ask a prospective surgeon.
How many procedures of this type have you performed?
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
How long of a recovery period can I expect?
What kind of help will I need during my recovery?
What are the complications and risks associated with my procedure?
How are complications handled?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for each procedure?
What kind of results should I expect?
DO listen to your surgeon.
Think of your surgeon as your personal tour guide through the whole plastic surgery process. He or she is a skilled medical professional and will provide valuable advice. Sometimes, for example, a plastic surgeon will advise patients to take precautions such as stopping nicotine use before undergoing a procedure. Most of the advice your surgeon offers will help speed your recovery and maximize your potential results, so be sure to listen carefully.
DO communicate clearly with your chosen surgeon.
Plastic surgery results vary from patient to patient. The expectations you have for rhinoplasty, for example, are not the exact same expectations that your friend or co-worker has for rhinoplasty, so with that in mind, it’s very important to clearly communicate your goals to your surgeon. It can be as easy as bringing a photograph to ensure that you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page.
DO expect realistic results.
While a facelift can give you a more beautiful, youthful appearance, it likely won’t make you look like you’re 18 again. When you make the decision to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure, make sure that you clearly understand what results you can realistically expect.
DON’T:
DON’T rush into it.
Some individuals impulsively make the decision to have cosmetic surgery, but since the results of many plastic surgery procedures are long-lasting and in many cases, permanent, it is essential to weigh your options and set your expectations before undergoing surgery.
DON’T get plastic surgery for anyone but yourself.
Sometimes, people will consider plastic surgery due to pressure from a friend or significant other. However, the decision to undergo any cosmetic procedure should be to make YOU feel like a better version of yourself, and to not fulfill another person’s expectations.
DON’T allow cost to fully determine your decision of a surgeon.
You get what you pay for. In other words, the quality of the surgery usually has a direct correlation with the total cost of procedure. You wouldn’t go “discount skydiving,” would you? Some things are worth the extra penny, and your face should only be trusted to a specialist.
Dr. Azzi, from The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery is a strong believer in getting to know each and every patient prior to performing a procedure. Dr. Azzi also makes sure that his patients (and their loved ones) are emotionally and mentally prepared for surgery.
If you are seeking to improve or maintain your face or neck, we encourage you to contact Dr. Azzi at The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery.
Doctor Jean-Paul Azzi is a Palm Beach facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing exclusively in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, nose and neck. Dr. Azzi trained at the finest institutions with world renowned plastic surgeons in NYC, where he practiced the most cutting edge and advanced techniques in minimally invasive face lifting and rhinoplasty.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Azzi in Jupiter, Florida or Palm City, Florida,
please call (561) 429-5403 or fill out our online contact form today. Dr. Azzi sincerely looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the aesthetic appearance you desire.