As you head to your first plastic surgery appointment, knowing what to expect will help you feel comfortable and confident with the process. Once you have made the decision to have plastic surgery and have found the right surgeon, you will schedule your first appointment.
As you anxiously await the opportunity to talk about your needs,
goals, and desires for your body, you may be wondering what to expect. While each doctor is going to have his or her own approach to this initial visit, here are some things you can expect, as well as some things to watch for as you head to the clinic for the first time.
When You Arrive
Remember, this initial consultation is your opportunity to find out about the doctor and decide if he or she is a good fit for you and your goals. Consider taking someone with you to help you evaluate the clinic and the staff.
When you arrive at the plastic surgery clinic, you will likely see a receptionist, who will have you fill out a form that asks for a health history and other details about your physical needs. Bring a list of all supplements and medications you take, as these can affect your surgery results, even if they are over-the-counter or herbal products.
As you wait to see the doctor, notice whether or not the location seems professional. Is the staff professional and courteous? Are you treated well, or are you rushed through the signing in process too quickly? Is the clinic tastefully decorated, or filled with glaring advertisements?
Consider the length of your wait. You will likely be at the clinic several times as you pursue plastic surgery. You do not want to choose a clinic that has chronically long wait times. If you do notice the wait is long, does the staff apologize or provide an explanation, or does it appear to be par for the course?
In the Office
Once you are called back, pay attention to the process. Is the nurse friendly and courteous? Did you receive a tour of the facility? If so, did it seem well organized and clean? Some forms of plastic surgery are done in the clinic. Would you feel comfortable having your procedure there?
You should not be left alone long in the doctor’s office. Once the doctor arrives, you will be greeted and have the opportunity to discuss your goals with him or her. The length of this consultation is not necessarily important, as some types of plastic surgery are fairly straightforward. However, you should get the impression that the doctor is a highly trained professional who is willing to answer your questions thoroughly. You should not feel rushed when you ask questions about the surgery.
If your doctor is a different gender than you, you will likely have a chaperon, such as a nurse or staff member that is the same gender as you. This protects the doctor from any accusations of inappropriate behavior. If you are not offered a chaperon and you wish to have one, feel free to ask.
After this first visit, you should have a good feel for the doctor, the clinic, and whether or not they are a good fit for you. If you feel comfortable, then it is time to schedule your procedure, and get further on your way to the body you are dreaming about.
