Plastic Surgery Consultation and Preparation

Understand plastic surgery consultation steps, preparation guidelines, and personalized planning at Liv Hospital.

Plastic Surgery Consultation and Preparation

Understand plastic surgery consultation steps, preparation guidelines, and personalized planning at Liv Hospital.

Learn how to prepare for plastic surgery. Discover what happens during a consultation, key questions to ask, and essential pre-surgery steps.

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Plastic Surgery: Consultation And Preparation

A successful plastic surgery outcome begins with a thorough consultation and proper preparation. This process helps patients understand the procedure, set realistic expectations, and ensure safety.

The Importance of the Initial Consultation

Your first visit with a plastic surgeon is a big step. This meeting is not just for asking questions. It helps you and your surgeon understand each other and plan the surgery together. A thorough consultation checks if Vaser liposuction is right for you and helps you feel prepared.

Introduction to Surgical Planning

Plastic surgery starts with a detailed consultation to align patient goals with medical considerations. Proper preparation ensures the body is ready for surgery, enhances safety, and supports faster recovery, laying the foundation for effective and satisfying results.

 

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What to Expect During Your Consultation

Zygoma (Cheekbone) Reduction

The initial consultation allows you to meet your surgeon, discuss goals, and have a detailed medical assessment of the area, including skin and bone structure.

This is a two-way discussion of medical history, lifestyle, and past surgeries. Honest communication helps the surgeon recommend realistic and safe procedures.

Key Steps in Preparing for Cosmetic Surgery

Preparation includes adjusting daily routines to optimize healing, with a key focus on managing nicotine, as smoking reduces blood flow and impairs wound healing.

Patients should limit alcohol, follow a nutrient-rich diet, and stay hydrated to support tissue repair and maintain skin health.

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Surgery

Ask questions and ensure your surgeon has experience with your procedure. Reviewing “before and after” photos of similar cases helps gauge their skill and results.

Essential questions to cover include:

  • Are you board-certified in plastic surgery?
  • How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
  • What are the most common complications for this surgery?
  • What kind of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer it?
  • What is the policy for surgical revisions if I am not satisfied?
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Pre-Operative Evaluation and Medical Assessment

Zygoma (Cheekbone) Reduction

Your safety is the top priority, requiring a medical assessment with blood tests to check for clotting, anemia, or infection.

Additional tests like ECGs or imaging may be needed, and your surgeon will review all medications to ensure safe surgery and anesthesia.

Managing Medications and Supplements

Many common medications can interfere with surgery. Blood thinners, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, must usually be stopped one to two weeks prior to your date. These drugs make it harder for your blood to clot, which increases the risk of hematoma (blood collection) and bruising.

Surgeons may prescribe medications beforehand to prevent infection and manage pain safely.

How to Safely Plan for Your Plastic Surgery Procedure

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after anesthesia.

Planning your home recovery space is also essential:

  • Keep essentials and medications nearby
  • Prep easy meals
  • Use extra pillows if needed
  • Wear loose clothing
  • Get necessary medical supplies

Understanding Surgical Risks and Safety

All surgeries carry risks, including infection, bleeding, and anesthesia reactions; understanding them ensures informed consent.

Each procedure has specific risks, like implant leakage or nerve damage, and your surgeon will explain warning signs to distinguish normal recovery from complications.

The Role of Photography and Imaging

Medical photography is a standard part of the consultation and preparation phase. These photos serve as your medical record and a baseline for planning. They allow the surgeon to study your anatomy in detail after you leave the office.

In some cases, digital imaging software may be used to simulate potential results. This helps align expectations, giving you a visual idea of what is possible. However, it is important to remember that simulations are goals, not guarantees. The photos taken before surgery will be compared with your postoperative results to assess the success of the procedure objectively.

Zygoma (Cheekbone) Reduction

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Plastic surgery changes your physical appearance, which can have a strong emotional impact. It is normal to feel anxiety or nervousness as the date approaches. Preparing your mind is just as important as preparing your body.

Have a support system in place, friends or family who will encourage you during the swelling and bruising phase. Understand that the immediate results often look worse before they look better. Emotional ups and downs are common during recovery. Setting realistic expectations helps prevent post-surgical disappointment. Remind yourself of your reasons for choosing surgery and focus on the long-term outcome.

Assessing Your Total Risk Profile

Your “risk profile” is a combination of your health history, genetics, and lifestyle. Surgeons use this to decide if surgery is safe for you. Obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure can increase the complexity of plastic surgery.

High BMI or a family history of blood clots may require pre-surgery weight loss and extra precautions, like compression devices, to reduce risks.

Financial and Administrative Planning

Understanding the costs involved prevents stress later on. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by insurance, but some reconstructive procedures might be. Clarify exactly what is included in your quote.

Typical costs to consider include:

  • Surgeon’s fees.
  • Anesthesia provider fees.
  • Operating facility costs.
  • Cost of implants or medical devices.
  • Post-surgery garments and prescriptions.
  • Costs for pre-op medical tests.

Ensure all financial arrangements are settled well before the surgery date so you can focus entirely on your health.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

Selecting a surgeon is the most critical decision in your preparation journey. You need a partner who is not only skilled but also shares your aesthetic vision. Look for a surgeon who listens more than they speak.

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Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens during a plastic surgery consultation?

During the consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and examine the area you wish to treat. They will explain the procedure, potential risks, and likely outcomes. Photos may be taken for planning purposes.

Come prepared with a list of questions and a clear idea of your goals. Bring a list of all medications and supplements you currently take. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.

Routine tests often include a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and clotting studies. Depending on your age and health, you may also need an ECG, chest X-ray, or specific imaging like a mammogram. Your surgeon will provide a specific list.

Look for a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure you want. Check their before-and-after photos and read patient reviews. Ensure you feel comfortable communicating with them and that they operate in an accredited facility.

Ask about their board certification and how often they perform the procedure. Inquire about the surgical facility, anesthesia type, and recovery timeline. Also, ask about the total costs and their policy on revision surgeries if complications occur.

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