Plastic surgery can change your body and outlook on life when it’s performed by a qualified physician. If you’ve never visited a plastic surgeon before, it’s important to be as informed as possible before you meet the professional. Ideally, you should research your particular procedure by going online. With this information in mind, you can start your preparation for the initial consultation.
Arrive Early
Your chosen plastic surgeon isn’t your general practitioner so you’ll need to fill out paperwork for your first visit. As a new patient, you need to supply your contact information and insurance numbers. The paperwork can be extensive so you should arrive at least 15 minutes early. This time period allows you to complete the paperwork and still keep your original appointment time. Arriving exactly at the appointment time or later will only prolong your stay at the surgeon’s office.
Bring Your Medical History
Every plastic surgery facility, including The Hospital Group, requires your basic medical history. Surgeons use this information to guide their potential procedures. They should know if you’ve had previous surgeries, medication allergies or chronic ailments. All of this medical information gives the surgeon clues about possible treatments for your concerns. Ask your general practitioner for a copy of your medical history several weeks before the consultation. This early notification gives medical personnel time to pull the information together.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Every plastic surgery consultation is different, but all of them require the doctor to examine your body. Ideally, wear loose clothing that can be rolled, folded or removed with relative ease. You may not have to put on a medical gown in many cases. Loose clothing also relaxes you during the appointment so that the doctor can evaluate your medical condition with accuracy.
Observe your Surroundings
When you arrive at the doctor’s office, start your observations immediately. You can tell a lot about a doctor’s success and personality by the office decor and patients remaining in the waiting room. Pleasant voices, content patients and a clean atmosphere are the features that you want to see in the waiting room. Additionally, observe the doctor when he or she is examining you. The process should be comfortable and relaxed at all times.
Ask for Pertinent Contact Information
Don’t forget to ask for the doctor’s contact information after the evaluation. You want to have the email addresses of the support staff if possible. If you have any questions, the staff are normally more responsive than the busy surgeon. The doctor might offer the office’s after-hours number and a website for your use. Keep all of these contacts handy if you have any questions both before or after a procedure.
Visiting your plastic surgeon isn’t a one-time experience. In fact, you’ll meet with this professional several times before and after a procedure. It’s important that you have a strong relationship with this individual so that your recovery process is smooth. In the end, you’ll have a health professional who is dedicated to your case for the long term.