How To Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Many patients approach their initial plastic surgery consultation with a mix of excitement and hesitation. Perhaps you feel nervous or overwhelmed about which questions to ask and what to expect when you visit my San Antonio plastic surgery practice for the first time.

I want to ensure that every aspect of your experience is as positive as possible—from your initial consultation to your procedure and follow-up. Relax and keep reading for my tips on preparing for your plastic surgery consultation with Ablavsky Plastic Surgery—and get ready to embark on your aesthetic journey comfortably and confidently. 

What Is the Goal of a Plastic Surgery Consultation?

• Assessment of Patient Needs and Goals: The primary goal is to understand the patient’s motivations, desires, and expectations from the surgery. This includes discussing the specific changes the patient hopes to achieve and any concerns they may have.
• Medical Evaluation: Assessing the patient’s overall health, medical history, and any conditions that could affect the surgery’s outcome. This evaluation helps in determining the patient’s eligibility for the desired procedure and ensuring their safety.
• Education and Information Sharing: The surgeon provides detailed information about the proposed procedures, including what they involve, the expected outcomes, potential risks and complications, recovery process, and aftercare requirements. This helps the patient make an informed decision about proceeding with surgery.
• Developing a Treatment Plan: Based on the patient’s goals and medical evaluation, Dr. Ablavsky will recommend a personalized treatment plan. This may involve one or multiple procedures and will be tailored to achieve the best possible results while considering the patient’s safety and health.
• Building Trust and Rapport: The consultation is an opportunity for the patient and Dr. Ablavsky to build a relationship based on trust and understanding. It’s crucial for the patient to feel comfortable and confident in the surgeon’s expertise and care approach.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: One of the most important aspects of the consultation is to ensure that the patient has realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery. Dr. Ablavsky will clarify what is achievable and what is not, helping to prevent disappointment or dissatisfaction with the results.
• Answering Questions: The consultation provides a chance for patients to ask questions and express any concerns they might have about the surgery. Addressing these queries is essential for patient satisfaction and confidence.
• Financial and Logistical Considerations: Discussing the cost of the surgery, payment, financing options, and logistical aspects such as scheduling, pre-operative assessment (blood work, mammograms) and recovery time is also a crucial part of the consultation.

Overall, a plastic surgery consultation is a comprehensive process that ensures the patient is well-informed, comfortable, and prepared for the surgery, both mentally and physically, while also allowing Dr. Ablavsky to plan the procedure with the patient’s best interests in mind.

What To Do Before Your Consultation 

Preparing for your plastic surgery consultation is an important step to ensure the meeting is as productive and informative as possible. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. 1. Research the Procedure(s): Before your consultation, spend some time researching the procedure(s) you are interested in. Understanding the basics can help you formulate specific questions and concerns to discuss with the surgeon.
2. 2. Consider Your Goals: Think carefully about what you hope to achieve with plastic surgery. Be as clear as possible about what you want to change and why. This will help your surgeon understand your expectations and advise you accordingly.
3. 3. Gather Your Medical History: Compile a detailed list of your medical history, including any past surgeries, current and past medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. This information is crucial for assessing your suitability for surgery and minimizing risks.
4. 4. Prepare a List of Questions for the Plastic Surgeon: Write down any questions or concerns you have about the procedure, recovery, outcomes, surgeon’s qualifications (board certification status), the surgical facility, costs, and anything else you deem important. No question is too small or trivial. Dr. Ablavsky is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive training in plastic surgery and more specifically cosmetic facial, breast and body surgery.
5. 5. Understand the Financial Commitment: Be aware of the potential costs involved, including surgeon fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and any additional costs such as post-surgery garments or follow-up care. The quote provided to you by Dr. Ablavsky’s office includes all aspects of surgery such as all pre- and post-surgery visits, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and garments. Financing options are also available.
6. 6. Consider Your Schedule: Think about your schedule and how it might affect your surgery and recovery. Be prepared to discuss potential dates for surgery and understand the recovery timeline to plan time off work or assistance at home if needed.
7. 7. Collect Visual Aids: If you have specific goals or outcomes in mind, consider bringing photos that illustrate your ideal results. While every patient is unique and exact outcomes can’t be guaranteed, these visuals can help convey your preferences. Viewing Dr. Ablavsky’s before-and-after gallery of patients’ results can also be beneficial.
8. 8. Choose Appropriate Clothing: Wear clothing that is easy to remove or adjust, as you may need to change into a gown for examination. If you’re considering facial procedures, avoid heavy makeup.
9. 9. Reflect on Your Emotional Readiness: Surgery can be emotionally as well as physically challenging. Consider your current emotional state and support system. Are you prepared for the recovery process and potential complications or dissatisfactions?

Take the Next Step

If you are ready to meet with Dr. Ablavsky to discuss your aesthetic goals, please request a complimentary consultation or call (210) 942-6672 to schedule an appointment.