The Cosmetic Consultation:

The First Step:

In order to make your dreams become a reality, YOU must take the first step - contact us to make an appointment for the Cosmetic Consultation. The goal of a cosmetic consultation at our centre is primarily to educate the patient about the surgery in question, the process of preparing for surgery, and the recovery period involved.

The cosmetic consult is an important step in the process of considering cosmetic surgery. We understand more than anyone that a cosmetic consultation can be seen as an intimidating or daunting experience. Because of this, we take special care to ensure that our patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible in a professional, yet friendly atmosphere. There is no standard operation which applies to every patient. An operation and a plan has to be designed during this consultation specifically for you and your needs.

The most important goal of the consultation is to clearly communicate with us. Caution is advised in looking at before and after photos. These can often be misleading and may not reflect your particular needs.

The Appoinment:

Time Involved

A consultation with us generally takes 45 mins - 1 hour. Upon arrival, You will be introduced to our Clinical Co – ordinator, Mary Ann at the front desk. She is experienced in beauty, image, personal training and cosmetic surgery. She is available to answer all your questions. You need to fill out some necessary paperwork.

The Doctors

You can meet your doctor in a private, comfortable consultation room where you will spend time communicating your specific desires and wishes. The doctor will examine you and give you his advice on how to best achieve the results that you desire. You will receive a fee quote that you can take home with you that day.

We hope that you leave our office an informed patient, excited about the future, and it's many possibilities. We are available for any follow up questions by phone or even for a 2nd consult to assist you in making your decision.

Afterward:

Scheduling Surgery & Pre - OP Appoinments:

You may or may not schedule a surgery date at the end of this consultation, you are by no means obligated but this is generally the next step. If you should choose to schedule a surgery with us,you will have to give a deposit to hold your date. You will also make a preoperative appointment for lab work, preparation, medications, etc. etc. After your preoperative appointment. We can take care of all your required lab investigations at our in house pathology lab.

Fees & Insurance:

As a rule, aesthetic plastic surgery is considered "elective surgery" and is not covered by most insurance plans. Fees for aesthetic surgery are traditionally paid prior to surgery. Costs vary widely and depend upon the complexity of the operation, where the surgery takes place and which anesthetic is administered. All fees cover post surgery visits. Fees are clearly explained to the patient at the time of the first consultation.

Photographic Record

Pictures are taken prior to surgery to help plan the procedure. They are useful guides which the surgeon will use in planning and preparing for your procedure. In addition, postoperative photos are taken to enable you and the surgeon to evaluate the results of the procedure.

Informed Consent

You will be asked to review and sign a form that clearly describes your desired operation. This informed consent is a legal document and your authorization allows the surgeon to perform the surgery.

Before you sign the consent form and set a date for surgery, see if you can you answer YES to the following questions?:

  • Do you have a clear idea of the results you can expect?
  • Are you clear about the result the doctor expects?
  • Are these two pictures the same? (Do you and your doctor agree on the surgical objectives?).
  • Do you know the incidence of complications for your procedure?
  • Do you know what kind of scars you can expect?
  • Have you chosen a good time to schedule surgery, with adequate time for recovery?

TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY and TWO WEEKS FOLLOWING SURGERY:

  • NO VITAMIN E except in a daily multi-vitamin.
  • NO aspirin or aspirin products.
  • NO anti-inflammatory products.
  • NO ALCOHOL ( very important: NO RED WINE ).
  • NO SMOKING or nicotine products.
  • You must notify our office of ANY medications you are taking, including over the counter drugs such as cold or headache medications, nose drops, etc.
  • Extra-strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed pre- and post- operatively for pain and /or fever. NO herbs of any kind.
  • NO recreational drugs at all- EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
  • Drink 8-10 glasses of bottled water per day.

THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY:

Wash face and shampoo hair using an antibacterial soap (Dettol) and shampoo. For procedures like body contouring and liposuction, Betadine surgical liquid soap should be used on the day prior to surgery and on the morning of surgery.

If instructed, take pre-op medication.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK anything after 11:30 p.m. except as directed by our staff.

THE DAY OF SURGERY:

  • Take pre-op medications as instructed.
  • Remove all make-up and wash your face using an antibacterial soap before coming to the office for surgery.
  • Do not use any hair spray or hair fixatives on the day of surgery.
  • For men, shave closely prior to your office visit on the day of your surgery.
  • Do not wear contact lenses to your surgery.
  • Leave valuables at home or with family members.
  • Wear loose, comfortable BUTTON DOWN THE FRONT clothing. If desired bring a scarf and sunglasses to wear when leaving the surgery center.
  • Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from the Surgery Center on the day of your surgery. Make arrangements for someone to pick you up and remain with you for at least 24 hours following surgery. A FRIEND OR A FAMILY MEMBER MUST ACCOMPANY YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE THE SURGERY CENTER.
  • DO NOT DRIVE following surgery until cleared by us or our staff.
  • Do not sign any papers or make important decisions for 24 hours after surgery. Medications in your system may alter your judgment.

FOLLOW UP VISITS:

We will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery, to check on the healing.

Follow up visits are for the surgeon to gauge your progress and assess any further needs you may have to improve your results or experience and for you to share your thoughts, express concerns or simply gush with happiness about your outcome.

Please contact US immediately if you notice any of the following during your recovery:

  • Bleeding from your suture lines.
  • Pus or cloudy discharge from your incision areas and elsewhere.
  • A very foul odor from your incision areas, navel or elsewhere.
  • Uncontrollable pain.
  • Blisters or suture "popping".
  • Temperature over 101° F.