Atlanta Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Practice Since 1980
The consultation visit is an integral part of the surgical process. Our goal is to meet your needs - your goals, ideas, fears, and expectations about your procedure. That is my primary job - to answer your questions and guide you through the process of plastic surgery. My name is Kathy and I am what they commonly refer to as your "patient coordinator" or "patient care coordinator." What I have tried to do is outline what happens in your first consultation. It generally takes about an hour. Email Kathy
Prior to your consultation visit
We try to give you quality time with Dr. Lois and myself. If you prefer, we will send you procedural information for your review prior to the consultation visit. Of course, now that you are on our website, you also have the opportunity to review plastic surgery before and after photos and other information about our practice.
You should also think about whether you want to come alone or bring along someone. Because so much happens during the consultation visit, you are invited to bring a close friend, family member, and/or significant other to the consultation. This person often serves as an extra set of ears to assist in processing the information and ask questions as well as lend emotional support.
The day of your consultation
You will meet first with me. I will review your medical history and preliminary information with you. This is when we get the general information and start to really talk about the actual cost ranges involved with your surgery. I talk in terms of "ranges" since you have not actually met with Dr. Lois and only after your time with him will I be able to give you exact costs. We will talk about any health conditions you may have, past cosmetic procedures you may have had and clarify which elected surgery or areas of interest you wish to address (body, breasts, and/or face). We will also review our surgeons experience, certifications, facilities, and staff.
Even if you have reviewed the photos on this website, we still review additional photos in the office. I like to point out specific cases and especially those that may have had similar changes they wanted to address. This also helps in forming realistic expectations and articulating the kind of changes that interest you. These photographs allow you to see what we have been able to do and what kinds of changes are possible.
Most patients have concerns that cause them to hesitate about moving forward. I certainly did! My concerns focused on my family and how they would respond after surgery. It is normal to have anxiety over something when you are considering any surgery. The most common is fear of anesthesia. During your consultation we address common concerns: discomfort level, recovery time, how you will look and feel over the two weeks following surgery, possible insurance coverage, and cost.
Computer Imaging
If you are considering facial surgery we try to offer computer imaging. This helps us understand what you are looking for and permits us to explain what can realistically be accomplished. The process is simple - we take your photos and the import them into a graphical system that lets us show you possible changes. We generally schedule a follow-up appointment within a week to review your imaging and answer other questions. Please note - Computer imaging is only available for Facial Procedures.
Meeting Dr. Lois
Dr. Lois will review some of things we talked about and then ask you to show him what bothers you. Dr. Lois will examine your areas that you want to change and then he can discuss the options available to you. After your meeting with Dr. Lois, I will be able to give you the cost for your surgery. If you are ready to schedule surgery you will meet with our surgery coordinator and she can also offer you options if you need to check your schedule.
After your consultation
If you have scheduled surgery, then we will be having many conversations covering all the details. If you are not certain I encourage you to schedule a second consultation and also to consider seeing other surgeons so that you are comfortable with your decision.
The consultation is in depth and offers more information than most can process in one visit. I try to offer some of the information before you come in - information about Dr. Lois, cost ranges, and general procedure information. Sometimes we need a second consultation to help answer your questions.
|