Contrary to popular belief, plastic surgery not only benefits your appearance but can also have a positive effect on physical health in some instances. However, regardless of what you are trying to achieve with these procedures, the consultation phase is extremely crucial. If it's your first time getting a procedure, consultation allows you to ask important questions, express your expectations from the procedure and assess the credibility of the procedure.
If you are partnering with a reliable plastic surgeon, you can also get tips on how to tell your family about plastic surgery. This will help you get the support you need throughout the healing process and also remove the stigma surrounding it. Coming back to the importance of the consultation phase, here is a list of 10 crucial topics you can discuss with your surgeon to ensure you are getting what you need.
Goals & Expectations From The Procedure
As stated, getting plastic surgery can be based on different goals, whether it is medical or for the improvement of appearance. Thus, the main focus of discussion during your consultations should be on your goals. For example, if you're trying to improve your facial features, you can focus on the issues you are concerned with.
You can discuss your expectations from the procedure, and the surgeon can help you get a more realistic view of the expectations. They will also be able to provide you with honest feedback and suggest procedures that align most with your goal.
Credential & Experience of The Surgeon
During the consultation phase, you can freely talk to the doctors about everything, including their experience and credentials. It is important to ask about their certifications and specific experience with the chosen surgery, to reassure yourself of your safety and achieve the best results. You can also ask if they are board-certified with a well-recognised organisation like the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Results of Previous Clients
While discussing their experience with the procedure you are going through, you can also ask your surgeon to provide pictures of the previous client. Usually, experienced surgeons provide you with a portfolio which features various before-and-after pictures of their previous clients. These portfolios have details regarding the procedures they provide, so you don't have to worry and think about how to tell your family about plastic surgery. You will be able to show them the results you are expecting, and also be sure about being in safe hands.
Possible Risks & Complications of The Procedure
No matter what kind of surgery it is, they always have some inherent risks and complications to look out for. Plastic surgery is no exception to this. Therefore, it is vital to address all potential complications related to the procedure. Your surgeon is likely to discuss the risks of infection, scarring, and the possible complications associated with the use of anaesthesia. The surgeon will also provide you with the methods that can be used to minimise these risks during your surgery. This will allow you to determine your risk appetite when it comes to the procedure and be prepared for every situation.
Recovery Timeline & Process
Recovery after plastic surgery is a gruelling process, and you are bound to be uncomfortable till you make significant recovery. This is one of the main reasons you need to discuss the recovery timeline thoroughly with your surgeon. With their insight, you will be able to prepare for the post-operative phase and understand the limitations and restrictions you will be facing. The recovery time is unique to each procedure, so it is essential to note down all the information given by the surgeon to follow.
Payment Options & Cost of The Procedure
While getting plastic surgery can be expensive, and you may worry about how to tell your family about plastic surgery expenses, it is important to remember that the rates vary according to location. Getting plastic surgery in Siliguri may cost you significantly less. During the consultation, you can ask your surgeon to provide a breakdown of the total costs and understand the inclusion of the payment, such as anaesthesia fees, surgeon’s fee, as well as facility fees. It is important to remember that to get a safe and effective procedure, you should refrain from making cost the main factor for choosing a surgeon.
Alternative Procedure Options
With the advancement in the field of plastic surgery in recent years, specialists have curated various procedure options for particular conditions. You can discuss other options if available, with your surgeon, as most of the time you can pick between non-surgical and surgical options. These alternatives may be more effective in achieving your goal and also have lower healing times or costs. For example, if you are planning to get liposuction, the doctor may provide you with the options to try laser lipolysis or radiofrequency lipolysis, which are non-surgical options.
Surgical Environment & Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia plays a crucial role in ensuring your comfort and safety during surgery. You can discuss who will administer the anaesthesia and what type of anaesthesia will be used for your procedure with your surgeon. Make sure to discuss any potential risks related to anaesthesia and how the surgeon ensures patient safety during the operation. Additionally, you can inquire about the surgical facility where the procedure will take place. This will allow you to feel confident in the environment where your surgery will take place.
Post-Surgery Care Provided
Post-operative care is an essential part of achieving the desired goal for your procedure. While it may be intimidating to think about how to tell your family about plastic surgery, you will need their help during this phase. You can discuss the post-operative care provided by the facility with your surgeon to prepare yourself. This will also help you to understand how the surgeon and their team will monitor your progress and help with any concerns during your recovery. You can talk to your family to assist on the basis of this discussion and provide them with details on procedures for emergencies.
Post-Surgery Travel & Accommodation
If you're planning to travel for your surgery, it's essential to discuss travel and accommodation details with your surgeon. Ask if there are any travel restrictions or requirements you should be aware of before, during, and after your plastic surgery in Siliguri. Some surgeons may offer assistance with finding nearby accommodations or may even have partnerships with local hotels. If you are travelling long distances, ask the surgeon how long you need to stay in the area post-surgery and whether there are any additional precautions you should consider.
Conclusion
It is normal to feel anxious about getting plastic surgery, no matter how small or big the procedure is. Simply discussing the procedure with your chosen surgeon can help a lot with the nerves and assure you of your safety. By discussing the above topics, you can understand all the possible complications and benefits to make an informed decision. The surgeon’s input can also help you tackle the stigma and stop thinking about how to tell your family about plastic surgery.