First Appointment/Consultation
Choose a surgeon you can trust
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. A doctor’s board certification is on of the best indicators of his or her training. Ask for certification for The American Board of Plastic Surgery ® (ABPS), the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigorous standards:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Members must:
- Be certified by the ABPS or in Canada by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®
- Complete continuing medical education including patient safety each year
- Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities
Consultation
Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment potions. Occasionally, surgery can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Your surgical referral slip and any X-rays if applicable
- A list of medications you are presently taking
- If you have medical insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultant visit.
A pre-operative consultation is mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Please have nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgery. You will also need an adult to drive you home.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)
X-Rays:
If your physician has taken X-Rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.
The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want the surgery, you expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Previous surgeries
Your surgeon may also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs for your medical record
- Discuss our options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications
