What to Expect at a Plastic Surgery Consultation: Complete Guide

Booking your first plastic surgery consultation is an exciting step, but it can also feel intimidating if you do not know what to expect. A consultation is a two-way conversation: the surgeon evaluates your anatomy and discusses what is achievable, while you assess whether the surgeon is the right fit for your goals. Being well-prepared makes the experience more productive and helps you make a confident, informed decision.

Before Your Consultation: How to Prepare

1. Research the surgeon: Verify board certification, review before-and-after photos, and read patient reviews before your appointment.
2. Define your goals: Think carefully about what you want to change, why, and what outcome you envision.
3. Gather reference images: Bring photos that illustrate your desired result. Our plastic surgery simulator can generate personalized previews to share with your surgeon.
4. Compile your medical history: Be ready to discuss medications, supplements, allergies, previous surgeries, and medical conditions.
5. Prepare your questions: Write down everything you want to ask so you do not forget during the appointment.

What Happens During the Consultation

1. Medical history review: The surgeon or their staff will take a detailed medical history including current medications, health conditions, and previous procedures.
2. Physical examination: The surgeon will examine the area you want to treat, assessing skin quality, tissue volume, bone structure, and other relevant factors.
3. Discussion of goals: The surgeon will ask about your expectations and explain what is realistically achievable.
4. Treatment plan: Based on the examination and your goals, the surgeon will recommend specific procedures and approaches.
5. Photo documentation: Standardized medical photos will be taken for your surgical record and planning purposes.
6. Cost breakdown: You will receive a detailed quote itemizing surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and other costs.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

The quality of your consultation depends heavily on the questions you ask. Key questions include: Are you board-certified by the ABPS? How many times have you performed this procedure? What is your complication rate? Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases? What does the total cost include? What is the expected recovery timeline? What are the risks specific to my case? What happens if I need a revision?

Walk In Prepared with AI Previews

One of the most powerful tools you can bring to a consultation is a visual preview of your desired results. Our AI-powered simulator generates realistic before-and-after images using your own photo, giving you and your surgeon a shared starting point for discussion.

Preview Your Results Today

Use our AI-powered plastic surgery simulator to visualize how different procedures will look on you before making any decisions.