Walking into a plastic surgery consultation for the first time can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. Many patients arrive uncertain of exactly what they want, unsure what questions to ask, or worried about being pressured into a decision. The team at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, home to board-certified surgeons Drs. David Kim and Eugene Kim, is committed to making every patient’s first visit informative, comfortable, and entirely pressure-free.
Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare
Coming prepared to your consultation will help you get the most out of it. Consider doing the following in the days before your appointment:
- Collect images, from magazines, social media, or photo galleries, of results that appeal to you, and images of results you want to avoid
- Write down your specific concerns and what you would like to change
- Note any previous surgeries, medical conditions, and current medications or supplements
- Think about your lifestyle: recovery time you can realistically take and your long-term goals
The Medical History Review
Your consultation will begin with a detailed medical history review. The surgeon and care team will ask about your general health, previous surgeries, any chronic medical conditions, allergies, and current medications. Certain medications, including blood thinners, some herbal supplements, and hormonal medications, may need to be paused before surgery, so complete disclosure is important.
The Physical Examination
Depending on the area of interest, your surgeon will perform a targeted physical examination. For breast procedures, this includes precise tissue measurements, assessment of skin quality and ptosis, and sometimes 3D imaging to help visualize potential outcomes. For facial procedures, high-resolution photographs are taken from multiple angles to inform surgical planning.
Discussing Your Goals
This is the most important part of the consultation. Be as specific and honest as you can about what you like, what you want to change, and what results you have seen that you admire or want to avoid. Your surgeon will assess your anatomy, listen carefully to your goals, and give you an expert, honest evaluation of what is achievable.
Treatment Recommendations
Based on the examination and your stated goals, your surgeon will recommend one or more procedures that he believes will best address your concerns. He will explain the technique he would use, the incision placement, the expected recovery, and the likely outcome. You may be shown before-and-after photographs of patients with similar anatomy who have had the same procedure.
Understanding Risks and Informed Consent
Every surgical procedure carries risks, and a thorough consultation will always include a frank discussion of potential complications. Understanding the risks is not meant to discourage you; it is an essential part of making an informed decision. You will be given written materials covering these points to review at home before you commit.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many of this specific procedure have you performed?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with a similar anatomy to mine?
- What is the realistic recovery timeline?
- What are the most common complications, and how are they managed?
After the Consultation
At the conclusion of your consultation, you will receive a personalized surgical quote and be given the opportunity to ask any final questions. There is absolutely no obligation to proceed. Take the time you need to review the information, discuss it with trusted people in your life, and make the decision that is right for you.
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery serves patients throughout Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and the greater Southern California region. Book your first consultation with Drs. Kim today.
Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim. Click here to contact us today.
Also visit drdavidkim.com
Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.