Dr. Zdenek Pros, a member of the Czech Society of Aesthetic Surgery in the Czech Republic says most of his potential clients have done their research and come to the consultation prepared.
“There is so much information available from the internet,” he says. “A big problem though is the online discussion forums; there is a lot of misinformation out there.”
Dr. Pros said just because a procedure worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. Every person is different and your body may not require the same, or need something different.
It’s also important to know what your expectations are and if they are realistic.
“If their ideas are sensible, we’ll continue with the consultation and discuss the procedure, aftercare, etc,” says Dr. Pros. “If their ideas are impractical, I’ll offer options. I turn away about 10-20-percent of potential patients because of unrealistic expectations.”
 |
Dr. Hans Mila Werner, a Czech cosmetic surgeon with offices in the Czech Republic, Germany, the UK and the US, agrees and says people need to think this decision through carefully.
“Don’t ask the doctor what you should change about your body,” he says. “Think about your own wishes, and make sure you are having the surgery for yourself, not for someone else.”
Another topic to discuss thoroughly is aftercare. Once the procedure is finished, what can you expect, and what could possibly go wrong? Infections are something Dr. Pros believes you should discuss with the surgeon. He says there are two types of infections you should be concerned about – one you can catch in the hospital and one from the healing process itself. As your body recovers, your resistance to bacteria and viruses is weakened.
“Save your energy, don’t go shopping!” Dr. Pros advises.
Scarring is another issue that should be talked about. What type of scarring may occur after your procedure, and what steps do you need to take to minimize it? Also discuss any cosmetic procedures you have had in the past. Dr. Pros says no doctor wants to be surprised by something in the operating room.
Now that you have discussed your potential procedure, you should also ask questions about the doctor himself. Be sure you can independently confirm he is board-certified and licensed from the country he practices surgery in. Dr. Pros also says you should ask how many surgeries like the one you will have has he done in the past year; how long will the results of the surgery last and ask to speak with one of his former patients.
“Recommendations are very important when choosing a plastic surgeon,” he says. “People choose a clinic 70-percent based on price, and 30-percent based on the reputation.”
Dr. Werner also recommends visiting at least three different surgeons before making your final decision.
“Make sure you get a good feeling from the doctor,” he advises.
