Important Questions To Ask During A Plastic Surgery Virtual Consultation

Before their plastic surgery procedure, patients typically schedule an in-person consultation at the surgical facility. This sets the stage for patients to learn more about their preferred procedure, ask questions related to it, and discuss alternate options to achieve their treatment goals. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most AAAASF-accredited New York City plastic surgery practices switched to virtual consultations to reduce the risk of infection. Patients could consult their surgeon using video conferencing software from any geographical location. If you are preparing for a virtual plastic surgery consultation, you need to be prepared for it. There are certain questions you should ask your plastic surgeon before your procedure.

Being well-prepared for your virtual consultation will ensure that both you and your plastic surgeon get the most out of the appointment. From learning more about your procedure and how it will be performed to evaluating before and after photographs and understanding what pre-op and post-op care involves, check out these important questions you must ask your plastic surgeon at the virtual consult:

• Is your practice AAAASF-accredited?
• How many years of training did you have before you became a professional plastic surgeon?
• How many times have you performed this procedure?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• Where will the procedure be performed?
• Do you have any before and after photographs of your work?
• Can you put me in touch with previous patients who had this procedure?
• How much will my procedure cost?
• How many pre-op appointments will I need?
• Do I need to do anything prior my procedure?
• What is the type of anesthesia that will be used?
• What happens if there is an emergency during the procedure?
• What downtime should I expect?
• What does post-op care involve?
• How long will recovery take?
• When can I expect final results?
• How many follow up appointments would I need?

A thorough consultation helps both patients and their plastic surgeon:

• Patients can learn about the procedure and options available and make informed decisions.
• They can share their concerns and discuss their aesthetic goals with the surgeon.
• The plastic surgeon can guide patients in choosing the best treatment option.
• Preoperative patient assessment can help determine individual factors that could increase the risk for perioperative complications.
• The patient and provider can have a healthy conversation about the benefits and risks of the procedure.

In any situation, a virtual consultation is a great option for out-of-town patients as allows them to discuss matters with their surgeon from the comfort of their own home. Virtual consultations also help reduce initial anxiety patients may feel sometimes and allow them to contact their surgeon if they happen to need help, regardless of where they are.

Following your virtual consult, you can schedule an in-person consultation if you are interested in going ahead with your procedure.

bodySCULPT® has been providing virtual consultations for years. Our virtual consultation program allows patients to keep in touch with us regardless of their location. Our plastic surgeons are committed to providing comprehensive support and customized care to help patient achieve their aesthetic goals.