Plastic Surgeon: Communicating With Yours

If you have decided to pursue cosmetic surgery, the first step in the process is choosing a plastic surgeon. You need to make this choice carefully, because your doctor will be changing your appearance, often permanently. You want to make sure that the doctor you choose is one who is skilled in the procedure you wish to have done. You also want to find a doctor with a good local reputation and the right credentials to back his or her work.

Once you have found that doctor, you need to learn how to communicate with them. Many of those who report being unsatisfied with their cosmetic procedures have reached negative conclusions because they had unrealistic expectations. Properly communicating with your plastic surgeon is the first step in ensuring that you have the right expectations about the outcome of your procedure.

Communicating Expectations

The first thing you need to do is communicate expectations to your doctor. Do you have a specific look you are trying to achieve? Are you looking for a specific size? Communicate these needs and desires clearly to your doctor. If you can, bring in pictures that illustrate what you are talking about.

Communicate Through Listening

Communication is not just stating your needs and desires. It also involves listening to the plastic surgeon. A good doctor will take the time to explain the procedures in detail, helping you see whether or not your goals are realistic. If the outcome you hope to achieve from your surgery is not likely to happen, a quality doctor will tell you. You need to listen to this advice so as to avoid having results you are not happy with. Likewise, if the results you want are possible, but the doctor feels they will not look good or will end up being more change than you are really ready for, be prepared for advice pointing you toward something different. Do not ignore this advice, but take it and learn from it.

Communicate Questions and Concerns

Even if you have thoroughly researched the procedure you wish to have done, understand and accept the risks, and know what the outcome will likely be, you may still have questions and concerns. This is normal, and you need to be confident in expressing those questions and concerns with your doctor. Do not feel silly for asking questions. Remember, your health and appearance are in the doctor’s hands, so you need to feel confident in their skill and confident in your decision to have surgery.

Remember, communication with your plastic surgeon is a two-way street. You must learn to both communicate and listen from the outset of your relationship with the doctor. This is the only way to ensure that you know what to expect from surgery and are confident in your decision to go under the knife. If you find it difficult to communicate with the doctor you have chosen, take the time to find another, because communication is vital to your satisfaction with the procedure.