An educated patient is in the best position to make the most effective use of his or her time when consulting with their plastic surgeon. Before you decide on a mommy makeover determine whether you wish to continue having children. Your decision may affect your options. Dr. Pugash suggests you become your own advocate and carefully do your homework. There is a great deal of information on how to prepare for your plastic surgery consultation. These three steps can help simplify the process:
Get healthy. Get down to your optimal weight and quit smoking.
Visit your primary care physician to determine if there are any medications you should eliminate prior to surgery. Bring a copy of your medical records with you and familiarize yourself with your medical history. If you are female make sure that you are not pregnant.
Liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are most effective once you have reached your optimal weight. Some surgeons may suggest that you lose weight prior to these procedures. Be aware that lifestyle changes may be required to ensure you successfully maintain your postsurgical outcomes.
Quit smoking. Smoking can lead to significant healing problems. Dr. Pugash will not carry out facelifts, breast lifts or abdominoplasties in smokers.
Research the procedure, surgeon and the surgeon’s office and surgical centers.
While many individuals may think to do research on a surgeon it may not occur to them to research the procedure. A deep understanding of what the surgery encompasses, how it is performed, and the outcome and potential complications involved will assist you in understanding the capabilities, complexities, and limitations of the surgery. “An informed patient maximizes the value of their consultation,” says Dr. Eric Pugash.
Research your plastic surgeon. Best results are achievable with a plastic surgeon certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Prior to your appointment carefully review the doctor’s before and after gallery on the office’s website.
Research the experiences of other patients at this plastic surgeon’s office by referring to realself.com or RateMDs.com.
Research the average cost of the procedure. Ensure you get the total cost of the surgery from the doctor’s office including the surgeon’s fee, the operating room fee and the anesthesia fee. If an overnight stay is required find out the costs. Is there a consultation fee? If so, is it rolled into the surgical fee? Make sure you get a comprehensive total including implants and possible revision fees.
Use your consultation with the doctor to perform further research. Come prepared with a list of questions. Some suggested topics are: Where did you train? Do you have particular expertise in performing this type of surgery? How many years of experience have you had doing this procedure? How accessible are you following the surgery? What outcomes should I expect? How long does the surgery take? How long is recovery time? What should I expect prior to surgery? What should I expect following surgery? What type of anesthesia will be used? Will I need help at home? Where will it be performed? If your surgery is to be performed in a surgical suite ask to see accreditation. How long will the results last?
Set reasonable goals.
Prior to your appointment set reasonable goals. Understand that your doctor can help you improve your appearance and lift your confidence but cannot turn you into someone you are not. Knowing what can be achieved will help you have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon.
For convenience we have a quick prep checklist below:
- Have you reached your goal weight?
- Have you set an appointment with your primary care doctor?
- Do you have a copy of your medical records?
- Is the doctor a Fellow in Plastic Surgery of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
- Have you researched the procedure and do you understand it?
- What is the average cost of the procedure?
- Has the doctor ever been sanctioned?
- Have you reviewed the comments about the surgeon online?
- Have you reviewed the doctor’s online before and after photographs?
- How much experience does the doctor have in performing this procedure?
- Do you have reasonable expectations of the surgical outcomes?
Dr. Pugash is a member of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Call us now to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pugash.