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Your Consultation
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The
Consultation - Screening a Surgeon
By now,
after having read enough information and viewed so many photographs of breasts,
noses, eyes - whatever, you are probably blue in the face You are probably
going about your day wondering, "I wonder if she/he was born with that..." each
time a someone passes you on the street. You start going through your day trying to
see if someone had a nose job or try to spot facelift scars. After having finding several
possible surgeons, now it's time to "screen" them.
If
your consultation pertains to
Breast Augmentation Please
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What
To Do Before Your Consultation:
- Research the procedure you are interested in.
There is a vast
amount of information available on the web as well as pamphlets free to the
public from libraries and doctors' offices, without obligation.
- Speak to others, like you, who have undergone or will undergo
the same procedure you are interested in. Check out our Message Boards related to your
interest at: www.yestheyrefake.net/plastic_surgery_message_boards.htm.
- Check around and be aware of all your options.
Research
the many techniques, if applicable, regarding your desired procedure(s). This
may take some time, but it is well worth it.
- Don't be afraid to ask around.
Ask around your salon or
gym, go through referral agencies, ask nurses that you may know or that
friends of yours may know. You're just getting names right now so any
suggestions can be welcome. You may not choose any of these but it's a
start.
- Compile a list of possibilities and begin checking them out for
disciplinary actions and check for possible negative media coverage.
- You can find out if they have been disciplined by writing
your state's medical board
- Check with the American
Board of Medical Specialists by calling
1-800-776-2378 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. to see if they are
listed.
- Has the doctor's malpractice insurance ever been cancelled? Some state
medical boards will tell you when a doctor has had insurance cancelled
(beware! most doctors can get insurance no matter how bad their record is).
However, you can contact the Dept. of Insurance for your state (DOI).
- What does the American
Medical Association (AMA) have on file
about the doctor? The
American Medical Directory, published by
the AMA, lists the affiliations of its members. It should be available at your
public library. However, for $60. the AMA will provide biographical information
on as many as four physicians. A surgeon doesn't have to be listed with
the AMA but it can be helpful in locating info.
- Write: AMA,
Department of Physician Data Services,
Dept. P, 515 N. State St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
- EXTRA!
Now, in some cases just because a doctor has been involved in a lawsuit,
settling out of court or even had a case dismissed, this doesn't mean that doc is a
"bad" one. Likewise, if a doctor has NOT ever been disciplined, it doesn't mean he
is a good one either. Maybe it just hasn't happened yet.
- Discuss with your spouse or significant other your wishes and
concerns; perhaps they, themselves, may have input or concerns you may not
have thought of.
- If you view before and after photos (from the web, doctors'
offices, etc.) do realize that they can be retouched digitally or
"airbrushed" and not to rely solely on them.
- Look through magazines, old photos or other sources to help
you decide what you DO and do NOT want as a result.
- Compile a list of the medications, if any, that you may be on
as a reference. You doctor should instruct you to refrain from ingesting any
products containing aspirin. To
view an example aspirin and supplement list, visit http://www.yestheyrefake.net/medication_list.htm
- If for a Breast
Augmentation, buy a bra sized to
your post-op desires (or a few) and fill them with cotton balls, Ziploc bags
filled with rice or water (double bag the water ones), to get "a feel"
for the new size. You can put the rice inside of a nylon stocking (or pantyhose
cut down to size and tied off) for a more accurate and quieter effect. Plus, the plastic tips of the bag won't be sticking you.
1 cup of raw rice equals approximately
270 to 275 cc.
- Try on clothing with this bra to determine and realize what
you can and can not wear for a person of this breast size, there are things I
simply can NOT wear any longer.
- Wear this bra (filled) under a Tee shirt (around the house)
and see what it feels like to have this size of breasts. Remember, the real
ones will be heavier than if you use cotton or socks. And also realize, if you
become a larger size, the act of stomach
sleeping will become just a
memory to you (for most of us, anyway). However, I can do it now if I
sleep with my arms bent and under my pillow.
- Take into account what sports or hobbies you like to do.
If
you are a ballerina or gymnast I don't think DDD's will fit in to your
lifestyle.
- Beware of the doctor who fails to listen to your concerns or fails to bring
the risks and complications of your chosen procedure to your attention. This
is not changing a tire, this is changing your body. If
he sits there and tells you "oh it is simple and there are no risks"
be wary. KNOW THE RISKS!
- Be wary if he starts pointing out what you didn't come to
him to fix. Many people like small breasts and certainly didn't need to
hear they should get implants if they went info for a facelift. The doctor should be there to make you, the patient,
happy -- not make extra money by preying upon your insecurities. Of course if
you ask his opinion -- be prepared to get it.
- On the other hand, some surgeons
are harshly honest and will point out something that you didn't go in for, but
is something he or she thinks will make you happier. Such as if it's a
deficient chin, and not your nose, which is making your nose look
larger. A receding chin can make the nose appear larger than it really
is.
- Don't be intimidated.
- Trust your instincts as well.
Sometimes, if you have a bad
feeling about someone or something -- there's a reason.
- Not all surgeons charge for a consultation.
The
price of the consultation does not necessarily reflect on the skill of the surgeon.
Prices vary from free to $500. Find out beforehand what the cost is so
there are no surprises.
- A consultation can last from 10
minutes to 2 and 1/2 hours. He or she should answer all of your
questions. Also, don't be tricked into the
"consult fee refunded if surgery is scheduled" bit. Don't book with a surgeon because you feel pressured about getting
your consult fee refunded.
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RECOMMENDED!
Plastic Surgery Consultation
Preparation Arrive at your
consultation on time, and even a little early to fill out the necessary
paperwork. Do not be late for your consultation or you may lose your
appointment. When you fill out your paperwork, please be completely honest when
disclosing your medical history and the presence or possibility of any disorder,
whether it be physical or mental, including any and all medications that you
take. What To Bring
• ___ A list of questions to ask your surgeon, be sure to print out our helpful
list.
• ___ Photos of yourself that you feel you conveys your area of concern in a
manner you feel could use improvement..
• ___ Photos of others' results to convey what you would ideally like to
achieve. This will help your surgeon gauge if your expectations are realistic,
as well as help you explain what your goal is and if this goal is possible.
What To Expect When You Meet With
The Surgeon
• The surgeon will ask you what you want to change about your body.
• The surgeon will then usually suggest which procedures he or she feels may
benefit you, whether solely your area of interest or suggesting complementary
procedures to further enhance your appearance.
• You will then discuss the preferred surgical techniques or methods, how the
procedure is performed, incision placement (if applicable) and the risks and
complications associated with the surgery.
• You will discuss the preferred anesthesia type as well as risk and
complications associated with anesthesia.
• You should discuss revision surgery, if it may be necessary and your costs if
the need arises.
• Anything that you wish to know, you should discuss during this time.
• You may be given an informed consent sheet regarding your procedure, any
implants (if applicable), FDA status (if applicable) and other pertinent
information.
• You will look at your surgeon's before and after photos.
• If available, your surgeon may show you the possible outcome with computer
imaging software.
• You may be given a referral sheet to speak with a few of the surgeon's
patents. If not, ask for one if you wish to do this.
• You may also request to tour the facilities if your surgery will be performed
on-site.
• You may receive literature regarding the surgeon's education and training,
curriculum vitae or any other information on his or her training.
• You may be given a list of what you spoke about at your consultation for your
records.
• You may discuss costs and fees with either the surgeon during your meeting or
with a financial planner towards the end of the consultation.
The Physical Examination
Depending upon your treatment area, you may or may not be asked change into a
surgical gown. If for facial procedures, you will remain dressed and the surgeon
will examine the area, your skin condition, the thickness of your skin and
elasticity.
Scheduling Your Surgery
If you feel comfortable with the surgeon and are confident that he or she is the
one to perform your procedure,
you may wish to schedule a surgery date before you leave. This will normally
require a deposit. If you are planning on having additional consultations with
other surgeons before making your final decision, you can always call the office
and schedule your appointment later if you choose this particular surgeon.
If you do schedule your surgery, you
will be given instructions on how to have the lab work (if applicable) performed
which may be necessary for your surgery. You will also be given information on
how to prepare, what to purchase and sign additional paperwork.
You may also schedule a
pre-operative appointment for further examination if need be, picking up your
prescriptions or compression garments (if applicable). Your consultation
appointment is designed to allow you to feel comfortable and confident with your
surgeon's abilities so do not hesitate to ask or request any additional
information during this time or any time while under your surgeon's care.
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Questions for your
Surgeon:
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RECOMMENDED!
Date:
______________________________________________ Time: __________________________
Surgeon: ______________________________________________ Telephone:
________________________
Address: ______________________________________________ Website:
__________________________
Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS): [ ] yes [ ] no
Certified by American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS):
[ ] yes [ ] no
Questions For The Surgeon
1. What made you decide to become a Plastic Surgeon?
2. How long have you been practicing as a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon?
3. How long have you been performing this procedure?
4. How many of these procedures have you performed? How many do you perform each
month?
5. Have you performed this procedure on anyone of your staff? May I speak to
them?
6. Do you have local hospital privileges? If so, where?
Procedure Questions
1. Which type of technique do you prefer and why?
2. Which type of incision placement do you prefer (if applicable) and why?
3. Will my procedure require grafts, implants or other materials? If so, what?
4. Will there be visible scars? If so, how long will they take to fade?
5. What are the risks and complications of this procedure?
6. Where will my surgery be performed? [ ] On-site Accredited Surgery Center [ ]
Off-site Accredited Surgery Center [ ] Hospital
7. What labwork am I required to have before surgery? [ ] CBC [ ] PT Test [ ]
HIV Test [ ] Pregnancy Test [ ] Mammogram [ ] Full Physical [ ] ECG/EKG
Other?_______________________________________
8. How long will my surgery take to perform?
9. Which type of anesthesia do you prefer? What are the risks of anesthesia?
10. Who will be administering the anesthesia, a CRNA a Doctor of Anesthesiology?
Will I be able to meet with him or her before my surgery?
11. How long will my recovery take? When can I go back to work?
12. How long before I am able to return to normal physical activities, such as
exercise?
13. If I am reasonably dissatisfied with the outcome or have a complication,
what is your revision policy? What would be covered should another surgery be
necessary?
14.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
15.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Procedure Costs
1. What is the cost of this procedure? __________________ Does this include [ ]
anesthesia [ ] surgeon's fee [ ] facility fee [ ] medications [ ] compression
garments (if applicable) [ ] Other _________________
2.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Surgery Date Scheduled: [ ] yes [ ] no Date: ___________________ Time:
___________ AM / PM
Pre-operative Appointment Scheduled: [ ] yes [ ] no Date: ___________ Time:
________ AM / PM
Deposit Required: [ ] yes [ ] no Amount: _____________ Refund
Policy:______________________
To Be Completed After Appointment
Rating:
• Office Appearance: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above average [ ]
excellent
• Attitude of Staff: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above average [ ]
excellent
• Surgeon's Communication Skills: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above
average [ ] excellent
• Bedside Manner: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above average [ ] excellent
Before and After Photos Available: [ ] yes [ ] no Thoughts?
_________________________________
Patient Referral List Available: [ ] yes [ ] no Received: [ ] yes [ ] no
Risks and Complications Thoroughly Explained: [ ] yes [ ] no
All Questions Answered: [ ] yes [ ] no
Overall Opinion:
This document was last updated: 03/26/2011 |
Breast Augmentation
Consultations Questions (in addition to
the above):
There are far more subjects to know about before you
choose to undergo breast augmentation with breast implants. However,
although your surgeon is obligated to answer any questions you have, you
really should do your own research as there are multiple subjects and
options related to this surgery. Please visit
BreastImplantsCentral.com for more information to really know your option
before you walk into your surgeon's office.
Click
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RECOMMENDED!
Date:
______________________________________________ Time:
_______________________________
Surgeon: ______________________________________________ Telephone:
________________________
Address: ______________________________________________ Website:
__________________________
Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS): [ ] yes [ ] no
Questions For The Surgeon
1. What made you decide to become a Plastic Surgeon?
2. How long have you been practicing as a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon?
3. How long have you been performing breast augmentation surgery?
4. How many breast augmentation surgeries have you performed? How many do
you perform each month?
5. Have you performed breast augmentation on anyone of your staff? May I
speak to her?
Breast Implants Questions
1. What Breast Implant Manufacturer do you prefer and why?
2. Which Breast Implant do you recommend for me? [ ] Saline [ ] Silicone;
Model: ____________________, Size: ________________, Shape:
________________, Profile: ________________, Texture: ____________
3. How do you determine which post-operative breast size is best for my body
frame size and shape?
4. Which Breast Implant Warranty do you recommend? Can you explain to me
what is covered under warranty?
5.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
6.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Breast Augmentation Surgery Questions
1. Which incision placement do you feel is right for me? [ ] Crease [ ]
Peri-areolar (nipple) [ ] Trans-axillary (armpit) [ ] Transumbilical (belly
button). Why?
2. Which implant placement do you feel is right for me? [ ] Subglandular [ ]
Subpectoral [ ] Full Submuscular Why?
3. Where will my surgery be performed? [ ] On-site Accredited Surgery Center
[ ] Off-site Accredited Surgery Center [ ] Hospital
4. What type of anesthesia do you prefer to use and why?
5. Will I have a CRNA or a Board Certified Anesthesiologist?
6. What labwork am I required to have before surgery? [ ] CBC [ ] PT Test [
] HIV Test [ ] Pregnancy Test [ ] Mammogram [ ] Full Physical [ ] ECG/EKG
Other?
7. How long will my surgery take to perform?
8.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous
1. How much will my surgery cost? Is this price all-inclusive?
2. If I am reasonably dissatisfied, what is your revision policy?
3. If I have a complication which requires a second surgery, what portion,
if any, will be covered?
4.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
Surgery Date Scheduled: [ ] yes [ ] no Date: ___________________ Time:
___________ AM / PM
Pre-operative Appointment Scheduled: [ ] yes [ ] no Date: ___________ Time:
________ AM / PM
Deposit Required: [ ] yes [ ] no Amount: _____________ Refund
Policy:______________________
To Be Completed After Appointment
Rating:
• Office Appearance: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above average [ ]
excellent
• Attitude of Staff: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above average [ ]
excellent
• Surgeon's Communication Skills: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above
average [ ] excellent
• Bedside Manner: [ ] poor [ ] fair [ ] average [ ] above average [ ]
excellent
Before and After Photos Available: [ ] yes [ ] no Thoughts?
_________________________________
Patient Referral List Available: [ ] yes [ ] no Received: [ ] yes [ ] no
Risks and Complications Thoroughly Explained: [ ] yes [ ] no
All Questions Answered: [ ] yes [ ] no
Overall Opinion:
This document was last updated: 03/26/2011 - BreastImplantsCentral.com
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Remember to
see our
Breast
Augmentation Website for more information on this subject. There's a lot
more to it than the above.
In-Office Surgery Centers or a Hospital?
Sometimes, depending upon the doctor, surgery is performed in a hospital.
This can be more expensive and today, more and more doctors have a Surgery Center to perform their procedures.
It is extremely advisable to take a tour of the on-site surgery facility or at
the very least confirm the addreditation of the facility. A surgery center should be accredited by an Ambulatory Health Care and Surgery Center Accreditation Organization like
The
American Association for Accreditation For Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
or the AAAHC
- Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care. This is very important as the Accreditation Organizations ensure that the facilities are
safe, have the correct equipment for monitoring your heart and breathing as well as having
an effective emergency protocol.
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