Many people are dissatisfied with their appearances for one reason or another. For some people, it’s just a small imperfection or two, while others feel that their entire looks need an overhaul. And with the growing popularity and social acceptability of plastic surgery, people are turning to cosmetic enhancement in record numbers to correct these imperfections. In fact, last year Americans spent more than $12 billion on cosmetic enhancements.
If you’re thinking about undergoing plastic surgery, then there are a few steps that you should take before going in for your first consultation.
When it comes to plastic surgery consultations, there are two general schools of thought. Some people walk through the doors for their first consultations knowing exactly what they want fixed and what looks they want to achieve. On the other hand, there are people who head into their initial consultation hoping that the plastic surgeon will point out all of their physical defects and tell them what they should have done.
As you can imagine, these two approaches can create friction between doctors and their patients. The people in the first camp may not want their doctors to point out all of their physical flaws, while those in the second camp may not be happy with a passive doctor who doesn’t offer any suggestions about how to improve their appearances.
The best way to avoid potential conflicts is to have an open dialogue with your plastic surgeon even before you come in for your first meeting. It’s perfectly OK to ask your doctor or someone on their staff how you should prepare for that first consultation.
Before heading in to your opening consultation, take some time to figure out what you’re hoping to get out of cosmetic surgery. It’s almost always a good idea to bring photographs so that you and the doctor have a visual reference for the conversation. So do your homework and find some pictures of a celebrity or two with the look that you’re trying to achieve. Having a visual context will make the whole meeting go smoother.
Try to remember that cosmetic enhancement is a subjective and highly variable experience. Similarly, what’s perfect for one person may be completely unacceptable to someone else. Your doctor cannot read your mind. So above all else, maintain an open dialogue with your surgeon, ask plenty of questions and be sure you know what to expect before undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
Dr. Mark Schusterman and Dr. Sanaz Harirchian
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