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Everything You Need to Know About the Plastic Surgery Process

Posted January 09, 2023 in Plastic Surgery

3 Minute Read:

The plastic surgery process can often feel overwhelming. From the time you begin gathering information to surgery and recovery, it is normal to feel anxious, confused and unsure. To help, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to navigating the plastic surgery process!

Woman undergoing a facial plastic surgery consultation with a doctor.

1. Research

When a patient begins their journey into plastic surgery, the first step is to research, research, research! 

This includes:

  • Searching for plastic surgeons and practices in the area online or asking friends for recommendations
  • Learning about potential surgery options for the areas of interest
  • Understanding the recovery time needed and how that may affect jobs, life events, trips, etc.
  • Planning for the surgical costs of surgery

Talking with a patient coordinator at Specialists in Plastic Surgery will provide you with many answers during the research process. They will determine how best to assist you based on your goals, procedure(s) of interest, and medical history. If deemed a candidate for a cosmetic consultation, the coordinator will then help you get scheduled for your first visit with us!

2. Consultation

The purpose of the consultation is to provide you with all pertinent details to help with your decision to have surgery. Our consultations last between 45 minutes and one hour and the majority of that time is spent with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will perform a physical examination, provide an individualized treatment plan and discuss recovery restrictions. After you meet with your surgeon, you will then meet with their patient coordinator, who will generate a quote and go over scheduling specifics. 

If you decide to proceed with the surgical plan offered at your consultation, the patient coordinator will help you get scheduled for surgery. Surgery date options, pre-op appointment scheduling and any pre-testing requirements will be discussed. For any questions or concerns after your consultation, you will have your patient care coordinator’s contact information who is happy to help with any questions or concerns you have.

3. Pre-op appointment

Your pre-op appointment will take place with one of our nurses and last approximately one hour. At this appointment, you will receive a packet of information to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. This packet will include: pre-op and post-op instructions, medication directions, paperwork/consents and general instructions leading up to your surgery day. You will take “before” photos at this appointment and go over any questions that you have. If your caregiver is available, we suggest bringing them to this appointment. (All surgical patients are required to have a caregiver for the first 24 hours after surgery.)

4. Surgery

It is finally here! The consultation, pre-operative appointment, and communication with your patient care coordinator have prepared you for this day making you 100% confident for your surgery! 

The check-in process takes 45 minutes and includes an overview of the surgical plan with your surgeon as well as meeting the CRNA and OR team. Depending on how long your surgery is, your caregiver can leave our office (and return when directed by the OR) or can stay in our surgical waiting room with complimentary WIFI. After surgery is completed, you’ll recover for 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to head home!

5. Recovery

Your surgeon will call you the night of your surgery to see how you’re doing. The following day, our nursing team will follow-up with you as well. Your first post-operative appointment (and those that follow) will be dependent on your surgeon and the surgery you received. Our nursing team is available for any questions during the week. One of our surgeons is always on call during after hours and weekends and is prepared to assist with anything you may need.

Considering a Plastic Surgery Procedure? Don’t Wait for the Results You Want!

If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, whether it is a face, breast, or body plastic surgery, contact Specialists in Plastic Surgery today by calling (919) 785-0505 or filling out our online contact form. Our team is standing by to help you make your dream results a reality. 

We are located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and see both local and out-of-town patients.