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 facilities switched to offering a plastic surgery virtual consultation to reduce the risk of infection. Patients could consult their surgeon using video conferencing software from any geographical location, offering convenience and accessibility. If you are preparing for a virtual plastic surgery consultation, you should have list of questions to ask your plastic surgeon.

Plastic surgeons offer virtual consults for a wide range of cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction surgery, fat transfer to the buttocks, tummy tucks, arm lifts, full body contouring, mommy makeovers, BBL surgery, male liposuction, and non-invasive procedures.

Why Virtual Plastic Surgery Consultations Are a Convenient and Smart First Step

Many patients want to know what happens in a virtual plastic surgery consultation. Typically, it includes a discussion of your goals, a review of your medical history, and an initial evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

In any situation, a virtual consultation is an excellent option for out-of-town patients, as it allows them to connect with their surgeon from the comfort of their own home. It also helps ease the initial anxiety that some patients may feel by providing a convenient and low-pressure environment. Additionally, virtual consultations offer ongoing accessibility, making it easier for patients to reach out to their surgeon for guidance or support—no matter where they are.

Being well-prepared for your virtual consultation with plastic surgery pre-op questions will ensure that you have the facts you need to make informed decisions.

What to Ask your Plastic Surgeon during an Online Consultation

From reviewing the plastic surgeon credentials and experience, understanding the details of your procedure and how it will be performed to evaluating before-and-after photos, and learning about pre- and post-operative care, there are many important topics to cover during an online cosmetic surgery consultation. Here are the key questions to include in a cosmetic surgery consultation checklist:

• 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.
• Plastic surgery safety questions help patients better understand the risks, emergency protocols, and the surgeon’s qualifications.
• They can share their concerns and discuss their expectations and goals with the surgeon.
• 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.

It’s important to be aware of red flags to watch for in a plastic surgery virtual consult, such as vague answers, lack of accreditation, or pressure to commit without a thorough evaluation.

How to Prepare for a Virtual Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

Preparing for a virtual cosmetic surgery consult is essential to make the most of your time with the surgeon. Here are some tips:

• First, identify a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection so you can clearly communicate and be seen on camera.
• Have your medical history and any current medications handy, as your surgeon will likely ask about them.
• Prepare a list of questions ahead of time—this might include inquiries about the procedure, recovery expectations, risks, and results.
• If possible, send photos of the area you’re considering treating, as this can help the surgeon provide more personalized advice.
• Finally, be ready to discuss your goals honestly and clearly to ensure your expectations align with what’s surgically achievable.

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 online plastic surgery consultations for years. Our virtual consultation services make it easy for patients to stay connected with us, no matter where they are. Our plastic surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized care and comprehensive support, ensuring each patient receives expert guidance tailored to their aesthetic goals.