What Happens at Consultation?

Question

I want to know what happens at a consultation with multiple procedures being done. Because I am 17 and I was told that I can be 17 for the consultation as long as I was 18 for the surgery. I want to know what kinds of questions will be asked at the consultation. I plan on bringing my best friend and boyfriend to the consultation but I was wondering when the sizing starts because that's what I was really wanting to bring them to get another view, will it be after the consultation at the pre op?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

At consultation for plastic surgery of any kind, it is important that all of your questions be answered and that you have a good understanding of the procedures to be done. For breast surgery, implant size can be determined from a discussion, pictures, sizing implants, and 3-D imaging. Your surgeon may use more than one of these methods. Although getting input can be useful, you should absolutely be the one to make the final decision as to size, and think about it carefully. I like to schedule a second visit to discuss size before actually proceeding with the surgery. When multiple procedures are being discussed, it is a good idea to anticipate that the consultation will take longer, and a second consultation may be necessary.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

Your consultation is a very important and lengthy visit. My philosophy is that in order to have a satisfied patient, you have to have an educated patient. I like to go through what should be expected before, during, and after a surgery including all the potential risks, complications, and options. It is great for you to bring a friend with you in case there are any other questions along the way.

	A thorough medical history and physical examination will be done to see if you are a good candidate for surgery. After this, your surgical options will be discussed including your desired size. A few weeks before the actual surgery is done, blood tests will be drawn to make sure you do not have any laboratory abnormalities and corrected if there are.

	Bottom line is you must build a connection with your doctor and fully understand what is being suggested and walk out with a plan.

	Hope that helps

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

A consultation serves many purposes. It allows you to gather information from an expert in the field, your plastic surgeon, about the procedure (or procedures) that you are interested in. It also allows you to ask questions about that procedure. You can also see before/after pictures, discuss prices and schedules, and perhaps speak with a former patient who has had that procedure. It also gives you a chance to see how you feel about the plastic surgeon who is potentially going to operate on you. Do you feel comfortable with him? Does he answer your questions adequately? Does he have a lot of experience with this procedure? How available will he be after the surgery if you have questions or problems? Finally, it never hurts to schedule two or three consultations just to get differing opinions. Different plastic surgeons have different training and experience and may have a different approach to handling the issue(s) you present to them.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

During a consultation the surgeon will establish the health of the patient as well as the expectations of the patient. The patient should be fully informed by the surgeon. Questions by the patient should be fully answered and the patient should feel comfortable with the surgeon and vice versa.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post. Most likely, you will be asked questions about your health, your family history, and you will be examined by the surgeon. Most likely, the consultant will educate you on the steps, benefits and complications of the breast operation recommended after the examination. While sizing is important, it is also important to be sure you understand the operation. Don't get focused just on the size at this point because you will miss some very important facts about the surgery. Be sure that you see 3 qualified PS in your area and don't rush without understanding the operation. Thanks, Dr. Aldo.

Heather Rocheford, MD · Answer

Hello Brianna, thanks so much for the question. The consultation is the best way to familiarize yourself with the procedures you are interested in, to determine if you are a candidate for the surgery and to meet the surgeon that would be performing your surgery. During a consultation you will get extensive information on the surgery you are interested in. The surgeon would perform an exam to establish size and measurements and take your before pictures so that if you proceed with the procedure you would have before and after pictures to compare your results. If you are having a consultation for Breast Augmentation you would then be able to try on implants and the surgeon would size you for the best fit for your body. A consultation usually last approx. 30 - 45 minutes or until all your questions are answered. All surgeons consultations may differ a little so I would recommend asking a few questions before scheduling your consultation. Best of luck to you.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

There is nothing to fear about the consultation.  Consider it really a new relationship.

	The idea is that you will educate the doctor and the reverse.  You will be asked about your health, your goals and your expectations.  You are under 22 so you can only get saline implants, not silicone.

	I would not recommend bringing more than one support person, as it is distracting and it is YOUR time.

	Sizing of implants usually occurs during the exam, after the history is obtained.

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon will handle the initial consultation differently based on his or her style and preferences. Typically, you will receive some information about the procedure you are interested in -- some physicians will have you see a video or give you educational brochures. Then you will meet with the surgeon, who will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. After examining you, he or she will then typically discuss whether you are a candidate for surgery, what is involved with surgery (risks, complications, post-operative course, where the surgery is performed, etc), and then you will have the opportunity to ask questions. During this process, some surgeons may have you discuss sizes for implants as well, while I have seen others who do it at a different visit. Nevertheless, you can always ask the surgeon about sizes and proceed from there. Good luck!

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

The consultation can vary significantly between offices. However, most plastic surgeons will address similar issues. When I first meet with a patient, I review their medical history to be sure that they are a candidate for surgery. This includes prior surgeries, medical issues, medications, allergies to medications, smoking history, history of breast cancer in the patient or their family members, etc. We then talk at great length about the procedure and different options. This includes types of implants, incisions, location for placement of the implants, length of surgery, expected downtime, restrictions and so on. We do discuss size since this is one of the most important factors with breast augmentation and if the patient has time, we even work through the sizing process which includes using physical sizers and potentially 3D imaging. Some patients will opt for sizing at the preoperative appointment but that is up to them. In addition to possibly sizing, the preoperative appointment includes a review of the procedure being performed and the associated potential complications. Since every office is slightly different, ask your surgery coordinator. They should tell you exactly when and how things will happen.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

At the consultation, your medical history will be reviewed, and you will be examined. Most plastic surgeons will address sizing at the consultation. In my office you would try on implants as part of the process. 

	Many offices will require the presence of a parent to evaluate a patient under 18, or to at least have a written consent for the consultation. 

	You will be best served to ask your specific questions to the office at which you will be having your consultation. All the best.

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