Consultation Process
What to Expect During a
Plastic Surgery Consultation?
Cosmetic plastic surgery in Pittsburgh is often used to address areas of the body that patients are self-conscious about and are uncomfortable talking about with friends and family, let alone a stranger. At Simona V. Pautler M.D., F.A.C.S., a warm and welcoming approach is used that is far from judgmental. With years of experience, Dr. Pautler and her staff provide a professional atmosphere with a personal touch to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the consultation.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Preparing for your consultation will ensure you get the most out of the appointment as possible. Use this short list to help gather information for your consultation.
- Past medical/surgery history. Develop a list of your medical conditions, past surgeries, and current medications with dosages to refer to during the consultation.
- Prior cosmetic surgery. If you have undergone previous plastic surgery, bring pre-surgery pictures, surgical reports (operative report), and information regarding any implants used (size, type, and manufacturer).
- Allergies and anesthetic reactions. Alert our staff of any allergies to medicines or materials (ie. adhesives) and any unusual reactions to anesthesia you have had in the past.
- Previous pictures. If undergoing facial cosmetic surgery, bring younger pictures of yourself to help in developing your surgical plan.
- List of questions. Many things get discussed during the consultation, thus having a list will ensure you remember to ask questions.
Consultation Process for Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh
The initial consultation allows patients to learn about the procedure, ask questions, and get to know Dr. Pautler. It is also a time for Dr. Pautler and her staff to learn about you, understand your expectations for the procedure, and gather information to determine if surgery is safe for you.
An initial consultation at Simona V. Pautler M.D., F.A.C.S. will typically take 30–90 minutes depending on the type of procedure. The consultation begins with you meeting Dr. Pautler and her nurse (Nicole) or physician assistant (Julia). During this meeting, the following topics will typically be discussed.
- Patient-specific topics. This topic generally includes specifics about which part of the body you wish to address, why you want to address this area, and what specific changes you would like to see after surgery. During this discussion, it is important to be open and honest as this will ultimately help Dr. Pautler determine the best approach to achieving your desired results.
- Medical and surgical history. Dr. Pautler will obtain information about your medical and surgical history to identify if the procedure is safe for you and what to expect during the procedure if this is a revision surgery.
- Procedure. The initial consultation will consist of a thorough discussion about the procedure and what it can accomplish. The risks associated with the procedure and any alternatives to surgery will be discussed, allowing you to make the most informed decision possible.
- Photo gallery. Access to Dr. Pautler’s extensive pre- and post-op photo galleries during the consult allows you to evaluate her work, understand her surgical style, and identify specific aspects you like about the procedure.
After this meeting, you will be introduced to Cara, the office manager at Simona V. Pautler M.D., F.A.C.S., who will discuss the financial aspects of the surgery. Cara will provide you with a detailed overview of all the costs associated with the procedure(s). Additionally, financing options will be discussed as needed, of which, Dr. Pautler offers M-lend Financial, Care Credit and PatientFi for her patients.
The consultation process is designed to provide you with as much information as possible to allow you to make an informed decision. However, you do not need to decide at the end of the appointment to proceed with the surgical plan and you will not be pressured to do so. This appointment is to provide information and see if Dr. Pautler is right for you.
Considerations After the Consultation
It is important to take your time after the consultation to consider the discussion and evaluate if you would like to proceed with a plastic surgery procedure. Suppose additional questions arise or you need more information about the procedure. In that case, Dr. Pautler is more than happy to set up a second appointment to ensure you are comfortable and secure with your decision.
Pre-surgical Appointment
After thinking it over, you have decided to pursue surgery. Now, what happens?
Call our office to let us know you wish to proceed with surgery. During this call, have a calendar available as you will be able to pick your surgical date and receive the post-operative appointments for the procedure. In addition, you will be scheduled for a history and physical appointment to occur a few weeks before your surgical date.
During the history and physical appointment, Dr. Pautler will meet you again to address any questions or concerns regarding the procedure. Nicole or Julia will also meet with you to discuss all the pre- and post-operative instructions and the need for any medications, post-op garments, drain care, and any additional specifics regarding your surgery.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Simona V. Pautler
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery in Pittsburgh, Dr. Simona Pautler performs a full range of aesthetic procedures to meet the needs of her patients. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Pautler delivers world-class results with a personal touch. In a comfortable, low-pressure environment, Dr. Pautler spends time with each patient to ensure they understand the procedure, including the risks and alternatives, to be able to make an informed decision.Are you ready to take the next steps in improving your appearance and boosting your confidence? Call our office to schedule an initial consultation at (724) 969-0930.
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