Expectations at a Virtual Plastic Surgery Consultation
Patients who want to make permanent changes to their appearance should consider cosmetic surgery. The procedures correct imperfections and give patients newfound confidence in themselves. Reviewing six things that patients can expect from a virtual plastic surgery consultation shows them what they need to know when setting up their appointment.
1. A safer consultation in today’s evolving world
A virtual consultation is a safer option for patients who want to undergo cosmetic surgery, and it won’t present them with any health risks. With the current pandemic, it is a great solution to conduct the consultation via the internet with everyone, including doctors and patients, practicing social distancing. As telemedical services evolve, more initial consultations could be conducted online to keep society safer. However, after the patient and doctor have determined what procedures are best, the clinic will set up an in-person consultation. During the in-person consultation, the patient provides the upfront payments for the procedures. Patients who want to learn more about a virtual plastic surgery consultation should contact their preferred plastic surgeon.
2. Discussing what the patient wants to achieve
Discussing what the patient wants to achieve helps the doctor determine what procedures are necessary to reach the patient’s goals. The doctor presents information about each procedure including the recovery time and what the patient can expect after surgery or treatment. As the parties discuss the procedures, the doctor explains the steps of the surgery and what the patient can expect afterward.
3. Evaluating the risks and side effects of each procedure
Evaluating the risks and side effects of each procedure helps the patient make a well-informed decision about the procedures. All doctors, including plastic surgeons, must disclose all risks and possible side effects that could affect the patient following the procedure. If the patient doesn’t receive all information about the risks and an injury occurs, the doctor could face a liability claim. It is important to discuss each procedure individually and ensure that all details are disclosed before the patient makes a decision.
4. Discussing the surgeon’s credentials
Discussing the surgeon’s credentials helps the patient determine if the surgeon is qualified to perform the selected procedure. Doctors cannot refuse to provide information about their credentials to a patient. During a virtual consultation, the surgeon must show the patient their degrees and provide information if the patient wants to verify the doctor’s credentials.
5. Discussing pre-op and post-op requirements
Discussing pre-operative and post-operative requirements helps the patient understand what they must do before the day of their surgery and what will happen after the procedure. Typically, patients are advised to stop all blood-thinning medications and others that could cause a negative outcome. Aftercare instructions help the patient recover from their surgery more effectively and control any pain or discomfort. The doctor will explain what to do if there are any signs of infection or emergent circumstances.
6. Generating preliminary results
Generating preliminary results shows what the patient can expect after the procedure. During the consultation, the doctor can show the patient a computerized image of what they could look like after the procedure.
Patients who want to undergo cosmetic surgery should review the procedures with their clinicians. In today’s society with the current pandemic and steps toward keeping everyone safer, telemedical services offer virtual consultations with doctors. Reviewing what to expect during the virtual consultation helps patients prepare before their appointments.
Article written by Jane Davies
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.