|
 GETTING
THE MOST
FROM THE CONSULTATION
In the realm of cosmetic surgery and treatments,
there is rarely only one best doctor or dentist for
any procedure. There are usually many who can execute
an excellent result. Ultimately, the decision of selecting
a physician or dentist is yours and yours alone. No
one can really make the choice for you, nor should they.
Determining who the good ones are is no small feat.
You can't just go up to a woman in the dressing room
and ask 'who did your face?' although many have done
exactly that.
If you have been considering having some cosmetic work
done, you have probably been collecting names of doctors
from friends, other physicians, hairstylists, along
with clippings from magazines and newspapers, and every
source has its own favorites. Although recommendations
from friends and acquaintances can be helpful, it isn't
fair to judge a doctor or dentist on the basis of one
isolated recommendation or condemnation either. The
most important credential a doctor has is his professional
reputation. The "best" doctor for your sister-in-law
may not be the right one for you for a variety of reasons.
The main concern of anyone considering surgery should
be, 'Who is the best doctor for ME?'
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT
Before scheduling a consultation with a physician
or dentist, request brochures describing the doctor's
practice, and develop a list of questions in order to
discuss what is involved with a specific procedure.
Force yourself to become Internet savvy or enlist the
services of someone who can help you. Ask other medical
specialists like your gynecologist or internist for
a referral. Make sure the doctor or dentist is a reputable
member of an organization of surgeons who specialize
and that he has documented education in performing the
procedures you are considering. Visit their websites,
request their bio or CV, practice brochure and materials
about the procedures you are investigating. Get to know
as much as you can about the doctor or dentist before
you make the appointment to save your valuable time
and money. Find out in advance about the range of fees
so you can be prepared to stay within your budget. Once
your initial list is narrowed down, start scheduling
your consultation visits.
The consultation visit can run fifteen minutes to a
full hour in some cases. Most doctors charge only the
one consultation fee, even if you come back two or three
times before your procedure. However, consultation fees
can add up if you will be seeing several doctors. If
you do your homework ahead of time, you may be able
to rule out some of the doctors on your list based on
what you find out even before you make your appointment.
This is where the services of a specialized cosmetic
surgery consultant can save you money in the long run.
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK
It is common practice in cosmetic surgery for a
doctor to hand you a mirror at the beginning of the
consultation and ask you to show him what is bothering
you, "What can I do for you?" It is your responsibility
to communicate your goals to the doctor or dentist.
You are not expected to know exactly what you need on
your own, but you should be able to explain as specifically
as possible what you don't like about your face, body
or smile, what looks different or not as good as it
used to, and what you want to change or improve. Don't
arrive at your consultation appointment with a blank
slate. Most practitioners hate to be asked the ubiquitous
question, "What would you do to me?" Prepare
a list of questions to bring with you to your consultation
visit so you don't forget anything important to ask,
and do take notes. You will forget most of what he or
she tells you during the initial visit, and writing
it all down will come in handy later on. Save the questions
about fees, payment and scheduling for the doctor's
secretary. You need to know the basics of the procedure
and how they apply directly to you specifically. Understanding
the limitations of the procedure is also crucial. Skin
type, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing,
bone structure, general health, dental health, previous
surgery to the area, and many other factors will determine
to some extent the quality of the result you can expect.
COSTS
Fees for cosmetic surgery vary widely depending on the
extent of the procedure, the number of procedures being
done in one stage, the amount of time it will take to
perform, and, of course, the geographic region you are
having it performed in and of course the surgeon you
select. For example, fees are higher in major metropolitan
areas like New York City and Los Angeles than in a small
suburban town. It is never wise to choose a doctor for
a cosmetic procedure solely on the basis of cost. When
calculating the total costs, there are several separate
charges to consider. First there is the doctor's fee.
There may be the additional cost of an operating room
and for the anesthesiologist if one is required. The
operating room may also bill for laboratory and for
supplies separately. Fees quoted should be all inclusive.
Ask for a breakdown so you understand all of the costs
involved. Some doctors will apply the consultation fee
you have paid towards the cost of your procedure. The
anesthesiologist's fee may be set at a fixed amount
or a percentage of the surgical fee, or it may be charged
based on the number of hours the surgery takes. Most
doctors will charge a consultation fee that is paid
on the day of your initial visit. In some cases, this
fee may be applied to the cost of the procedure you
are having. Consultations may range from $75 to $350
in special cases.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SECOND OPINIONS
There is no precise formula for choosing the right
physician or dentist for cosmetic procedures. Ultimately,
you have to use your own judgment and instincts. Never
go with the first or only doctor you see; always get
at least a second opinion and preferably three or more
before you choose. Even if you may love the first doctor
you see and feel very comfortable with him, go and see
at least one or two others for confirmation and comparison.
After the third, you may still find you want to go with
the first one you saw, but only after you see others
are you really qualified to choose wisely. Unless you
feel comfortable with the doctor and what he or she
is recommending for you, wait and re-think it again
or see another doctor until it feels like a good fit.
If it doesn't feel right, you should always continue
with the interview process. Once you have narrowed down
your list to two or three names, go back and see the
frontrunner again. You should always see the doctor
or dentist who will be doing your actual procedure at
least twice before the operation. This second meeting
should leave you feeling confident that you have made
a wise choice. You may still have some sleepless nights
and pre-surgery jitters but, by this time, you should
have confidence in the doctor you have chosen.
Finding the right cosmetic doctor or dentist is a very
personal journey. What appeals to one person, may be
totally inappropriate or offensive to another. You owe
it to yourself to approach cosmetic procedure like an
empowered and educated consumer. Working with a legitimate
cosmetic surgery consultant who can give you an impartial
view on what your options are, is a worthwhile investment.
WENDY LEWIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL COSMETIC SURGERY CONSULTANT
AND CO-AUTHOR OF AMERICA'S COSMETIC DOCTORS AND DENTISTS:
CONSUMER GUIDE (Castle Connolly Medical). Visit her
specialist
page or go directly to Wendy's personal website
at www.wlbeauty.com
|
