By Dr. Karen Horton

When most people think about Plastic Surgery consultations, they imagine a quick meeting where they point to what they’d like changed and walk out with a surgery date. The reality? Your initial consultation is one of the most critical steps in your entire surgical journey — and how you prepare for it can dramatically impact your results, safety, and satisfaction.

A Plastic Surgery consultation is far more than a simple appointment. It’s an in-depth interview, an educational experience, and your opportunity to evaluate whether a Surgeon is the right partner for one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your body. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation, a facelift, body contouring, or any aesthetic procedure, approaching your consultation strategically will empower you to make informed choices and set realistic expectations.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to maximize the value of your Plastic Surgery consultation — from the research you should complete beforehand to the essential questions that separate exceptional Surgeons from the rest.

Before Your Consultation: Essential Preparation Steps

The work of a successful consultation begins well before you walk through the Surgeon’s door. Proper preparation ensures you’ll make the most of your time and gather the information you need to make a confident decision.

Verify Board Certification First

Before scheduling any consultation, confirm that your Surgeon is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the ONLY Plastic Surgery Board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This isn’t just a formality — it’s your assurance that the Surgeon has completed rigorous training (5-6 years) specifically in Plastic Surgery, passed comprehensive written and oral examinations, and maintains ongoing education and maintenance of certification requirements.

You can verify certification at www.abplasticsurgery.org or www.certificationmatters.org. Be aware that some practitioners use misleading titles like “cosmetic Surgeon” or claim certification from “boards” that aren’t recognized by the ABMS. Only ABPS certification guarantees specialized Plastic Surgery training that is recognized by the Federation of State Medical Boards as well.

Research Beyond Credentials

Once you’ve confirmed board certification, dig deeper:

• Review before-and-after galleries: Look specifically for patients with similar body types, skin tones, and aesthetic goals to yours. This gives you realistic expectations and demonstrates the Surgeon’s experience with cases like yours. Notice how many cases you see (or how few) your surgeon has done!  
• Read patient reviews and testimonials: Pay attention to comments about bedside manner, staff responsiveness, complication management, and long-term follow-up care — not just aesthetic results or price.  
• Examine the Surgeon’s digital presence: A Surgeon’s website, social media, and educational content reveal their communication style, aesthetic philosophy, and commitment to patient education.  Are their social media posts authentic and in the Surgeon’s own voice?  Do they help you get a sense for the bedside manner and type of interaction you can expect?  Or are posts less personal with a more corporate feel?  
• Check hospital privileges: Surgeons with privileges at accredited hospitals have undergone additional credentialing and peer review, even if they primarily operate at private surgical facilities.  Admitting privileges at a local hospital are paramount to ensure patient safety, particularly if a complication occurs after surgery.  

Schedule Multiple Consultations

Don’t feel obligated to choose the first Surgeon you meet. Consulting with two to three Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons allows you to compare approaches, personalities, and recommendations. Different Surgeons may suggest different techniques, and these consultations help you understand your options and find the best fit.  

Get Several Comprehensive Quotes for Surgery

Get quotes for surgery from different practices — and ensure these quotes include ALL anticipated fees, including the Surgeon’s fee, operating room/facility fee, anesthesia fees, implants, garments, scar therapy products and other charges.  This will help avoid surprise bills for the facility, anesthesia, lab results, etc. that you didn’t budget for.  If tissues will be sent to the Pathology lab for analysis (breast reduction specimens, tumor resections), you should know what these fees will be as well.  

Gather Your Medical Information

Compile a comprehensive medical history including:

• Previous surgeries (especially in the area you’re considering)
• Current medications, supplements, and vitamins
• Known allergies (especially to medications or anesthesia)
• Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders)
• Family history of complications with anesthesia or surgery
• Smoking history and current tobacco or nicotine use (vaping, patch, gum)
• Previous cosmetic procedures or injectables in the treatment area

This information helps your Surgeon assess your candidacy and identify potential risk factors that may require special precautions or modifications to your surgical plan.

What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Arriving prepared with the right materials ensures a productive, efficient consultation.

Documentation and Medical Records

• Complete medication list: Include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, self-obtained drugs such as GLP-1 meds, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies with dosages.
• Relevant medical records: Previous surgical reports, imaging studies, or specialist notes related to the area you’re considering.
• Insurance information: Even for cosmetic procedures, bring your insurance card in case any portion might be covered (such as breast reduction for back pain).

Visual References and Inspiration

• Inspiration photos: Bring images (we call them “wish pictures”) that represent your aesthetic goals, but understand these are starting points for discussion, not exact templates. Your Surgeon will help you understand what’s achievable given your unique anatomy.
• Photos of yourself: Some patients find it helpful to bring photos from when they felt most confident, or images showing how their body has changed over time (pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging).

Practical Items

• Comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing: You may need to undress for examination, so wear clothing that’s simple to take on and off.
• A trusted companion: Bring a friend or family member to provide emotional support, help you remember information, and offer a second perspective.
• Notebook or device for notes: You’ll receive a lot of information; taking notes helps you remember details and compare consultations later.

Your Prepared Questions

Write down your questions in advance. When you’re nervous or overwhelmed with information, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask. I’ll cover the essential questions in detail below.

What Happens During Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Understanding the consultation flow helps you know what to expect and when to ask your questions.

The Initial Discussion: Your Goals and Concerns

Your consultation typically begins with a conversation about what brings you in. This is your opportunity to:

• Explain what you’d like to change/improve and why
• Describe how long you’ve been considering the procedure
• Share your aesthetic preferences and desired outcomes
• Discuss any functional concerns (such as back pain from large breasts or vision obstruction from excess eyelid skin)

Be honest and specific. The more clearly you communicate your goals, the better your Surgeon can tailor recommendations to achieve them.

The Physical Examination: Assessment and Analysis

Your Surgeon will carefully examine the area(s) you wish to improve, assessing factors like:

• Skin quality, elasticity, and thickness
• Underlying anatomical structure
• Symmetry and proportions
• Previous scarring or surgical changes
• Body composition and tissue characteristics

This examination is clinical and professional. Your Surgeon is evaluating your anatomy to determine the best surgical approach and identify any factors that might affect your results or recovery.

The Surgical Plan: Techniques and Recommendations

Based on your goals and physical examination, your Surgeon will recommend specific techniques and explain:

• Why they’re suggesting a particular approach: There are often multiple ways to achieve similar results, and your Surgeon should explain their reasoning for their preferred surgical approach
• What the procedure involves: Incision locations, implant options (if applicable), tissue manipulation, length of the surgery, the need for drains, antibiotics, and postoperative restrictions 
• Expected outcomes: What you can realistically expect, including limitations based on your anatomy
• Alternative options: Other procedures or non-surgical treatments that might address your concerns

This is the time to ask about technique variations, combination procedures, or staging if multiple surgeries are recommended. This process is called “informed consent” – it is a vital component of preparing for surgery.  

Recovery and Aftercare Discussion

Your Surgeon should provide detailed information about:

• Typical recovery timeline and when you can return to work, exercise, sex, and normal daily activities
• Pain management strategies
• Postoperative restrictions and care instructions
• Follow-up appointment schedule
• Signs of complications to watch for and how to contact your Surgeon
• Long-term maintenance and results longevity

Understanding the recovery process is crucial for planning time off work, arranging help at home, and setting realistic expectations about your healing journey.

Cost Transparency and Financial Planning

Your consultation should include a detailed cost breakdown covering:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia fees
• Implants, mesh or other special surgical products
• Facility or operating room fees
• Medical tests or prescriptions
• Post-surgical garments or supplies
• Follow-up care (confirm what’s included vs. additional charges)

Essential Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

The questions you ask during your consultation reveal as much about the Surgeon as their answers do. A confident, experienced Surgeon welcomes detailed questions and answers them thoroughly.

About Credentials and Experience

“Are you Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?”

This should be an easy “yes.” If the answer is evasive or mentions a different board, that’s a significant red flag.

“How many of these specific procedures have you performed?”

Experience matters. A Surgeon who performs your desired procedure regularly will have refined their technique and can better anticipate and manage potential complications.

“Do you have before-and-after photos of patients similar to me?”

Reviewing results from patients with your body type, age, and aesthetic goals provides realistic expectations and demonstrates the Surgeon’s experience with cases like yours.

“Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?”

Hospital privileges indicate that the Surgeon has undergone peer review and credentialing by other physicians. Even if your surgery will take place at a private facility, hospital privileges are an important quality indicator.

About the Facility and Safety

“Where will my surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited?”

Your surgery should take place in an accredited facility—either a hospital, an ambulatory surgery center accredited by AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) – which is now called Quad A – or AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), or an office-based surgical suite meeting equivalent standards.

“Who will administer my anesthesia?”

Your anesthesia should be administered by a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), not by the Surgeon or an unqualified staff member. At San Francisco Plastic Surgery, we only work with Board-Certified Anesthesiologists from California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) for procedures performed under general anesthesia.  

“What emergency protocols are in place?”

The surgical facility should have emergency equipment, trained staff, and established protocols for managing complications. Your Surgeon should have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital in case transfer becomes necessary.

About Your Specific Procedure

“What technique do you recommend for me, and why?”

Understanding the reasoning behind your Surgeon’s recommendation helps you evaluate whether their approach aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

“What are the risks and potential complications specific to my case?”

Every surgery carries risks. A trustworthy Surgeon discusses these honestly, including how your medical history or anatomy might affect your risk profile.

“What happens if I’m not satisfied with my results?”

Ask about the revision policy, including timing, costs, and what circumstances warrant a revision. Some practices include revisions within a certain timeframe, while others charge separately.

“How long will my results last?”

Some procedures offer permanent results (like breast reduction), while others require maintenance (like facelifts, which don’t stop the aging process). Understanding longevity helps you plan for the future.

About Recovery and Follow-Up

“What will my recovery be like, day by day?”

A detailed recovery timeline helps you plan time off work, arrange for help, and set realistic expectations about when you’ll feel like yourself again.

“When will I see my final results?”

Swelling, bruising, and tissue settling mean your immediate post-op appearance won’t reflect your final outcome. Knowing the timeline prevents unnecessary anxiety during healing.

“What is your follow-up care protocol?”

Understand how many post-op appointments are included, how long you’ll be monitored, and how the practice handles concerns that arise during recovery.

“How can I reach you if I have concerns or an emergency after surgery?”

Your Surgeon should provide clear instructions for reaching them or a qualified covering physician 24/7 during your recovery period. A Surgeon who is unavailable or difficult to reach after surgery is a major red flag.

About Realistic Expectations

“Can you show me what to expect using imaging or simulation?”

Some Surgeons use 3D imaging or computer simulation to help visualize potential results. While these aren’t guarantees, they facilitate communication about your goals.

“What can’t this procedure do?”

Understanding limitations is as important as understanding benefits. An honest Surgeon will tell you what a procedure won’t achieve.

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For

Trust your instincts. If something feels off during your consultation, pay attention. Here are warning signs that should give you pause:

Credential and Safety Concerns

• Lack of ABPS board certification or evasive answers about credentials
• No hospital privileges or inability to operate at accredited facilities
• Unaccredited surgical facility or vague answers about facility credentials
• Unclear anesthesia arrangements or anesthesia administered by unqualified personnel

Communication and Pressure Tactics

• Rushing you to make a decision or offering “today only” discounts
• Dismissing your questions or making you feel foolish for asking
• Promising unrealistic results or guaranteeing perfection
• Showing only the best results without discussing potential complications or limitations
• Recommending procedures you didn’t ask about without clear medical justification

Practice and Professional Concerns

• Unclear pricing or unwillingness to provide detailed cost breakdowns
• No clear revision policy or refusal to discuss what happens if you’re unsatisfied
• Poor online reviews focusing on safety concerns, complication management, or unavailability after surgery
• Unprofessional office environment or staff who seem poorly trained or dismissive

If you encounter any of these red flags, continue your search. The right Surgeon will make you feel informed, respected, and confident — never pressured or uncertain.

Virtual vs. In-Person Consultations: Choosing the Right Format

The rise of telemedicine has made virtual consultations increasingly common, offering convenience for busy schedules or patients traveling from a distance. However, each format has distinct advantages.

When a Virtual Consultation Works Well

Virtual consultations can be effective for:

• Initial screening to determine if you’re a good candidate before committing to travel
• Preliminary discussions about your goals and the Surgeon’s general approach
• Follow-up appointments after you’ve established a relationship with your Surgeon
• Patients traveling from out of town who want to narrow their options before visiting in person

When In-Person Is Essential

An in-person consultation is crucial for:

• Physical examination to assess skin quality, tissue characteristics, and anatomical factors that photos can’t capture
• Final surgical planning including precise measurements and technique selection
• Meeting the surgical team and seeing the facility where your procedure will take place
• Building trust and rapport that’s harder to establish through a screen

Many practices now offer a hybrid approach: an initial virtual consultation followed by an in-person visit before Surgery. This combines convenience with the thoroughness of a physical examination.

After Your Consultation: Making Your Decision

You’ve completed your consultation (or consultations). Now what?

Take Time to Process

Don’t feel pressured to decide immediately. Take time to:

• Review your notes and compare information from multiple consultations
• Discuss your impressions with your trusted companion
• Research any unfamiliar terms or concepts that came up
• Reflect on how comfortable you felt with each Surgeon and their team

Evaluate Conflicting Opinions

If different Surgeons recommended different approaches, consider:

• Why the recommendations differ: Is it based on different aesthetic philosophies, varying levels of experience with certain techniques, or different assessments of your anatomy?
• Which approach aligns with your goals: Some techniques offer more dramatic results with longer recovery, while others are more conservative with quicker healing.
• Your comfort level with each Surgeon: Sometimes the “right” choice is the Surgeon you trust most, even if their technique differs slightly from another’s recommendation.

Consider a Second Opinion

Seeking a second opinion is appropriate when:

• You feel uncertain about a recommendation
• A Surgeon suggested a procedure you weren’t expecting
• You want confirmation before a complex or high-risk surgery
• Your instincts tell you something isn’t quite right

A confident, ethical Surgeon will never be offended by your desire for a second opinion. In fact, they should support your due diligence.

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials and experience, pay attention to how you felt during the consultation:

• Did the Surgeon listen to your concerns and respect your goals?
• Did you feel rushed, or did they take adequate time with you?
• Were your questions answered thoroughly and patiently?
• Did the staff treat you professionally and kindly?
• Can you envision a long-term relationship with this Surgeon through recovery and follow-up?

Your Surgeon will be your partner through a vulnerable, transformative experience. Choose someone who makes you feel heard, respected, and confident.

Common Consultation Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-prepared patients sometimes make missteps that can compromise their consultation experience or decision-making process.

Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Price

While cost is a legitimate consideration, choosing a Surgeon based primarily on price is risky. The cheapest option often reflects less experience, lower-quality facilities, or corners cut on safety. Plastic Surgery is an investment in yourself—prioritize quality and safety over savings.

Mistake #2: Bringing Unrealistic Expectations

Social media filters, heavily edited photos, and celebrity results can create unrealistic expectations. Be honest with yourself about what’s achievable given your anatomy, and listen when your Surgeon explains limitations.

Mistake #3: Failing to Disclose Medical Information

Withholding information about medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors (like smoking) can lead to serious complications. Your Surgeon needs complete, honest information to keep you safe.

Mistake #4: Not Asking About Revisions

No Surgeon can guarantee perfection, and sometimes revisions are necessary. Understanding the revision policy before surgery prevents conflict and disappointment later.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Gut Feeling

If something feels off — whether it’s the Surgeon’s demeanor, the facility’s cleanliness, or the staff’s professionalism — don’t ignore it. Your instincts are valuable data points in your decision-making process.

The Consultation as the Foundation of Your Surgical Journey

Your Plastic Surgery consultation is far more than a preliminary appointment—it’s the foundation upon which your entire surgical experience is built. The time you invest in preparation, the questions you ask, and the attention you pay to both credentials and interpersonal dynamics will directly impact your safety, satisfaction, and results.

A thorough consultation should leave you feeling:

• Informed about your options, the recommended procedure, and what to expect
• Confident in your Surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and approach
• Respected as a partner in the decision-making process
• Realistic about potential outcomes and limitations
• Supported by a professional team committed to your safety and satisfaction

Remember, you’re not just choosing a procedure — you’re choosing a Surgeon who will be with you through preparation, surgery, recovery, and long-term follow-up. This relationship matters. Take your time, ask your questions, and trust yourself to recognize when you’ve found the right fit.

Your consultation is your opportunity to advocate for yourself, gather the information you need, and ensure that your surgical journey begins with a solid foundation of trust, expertise, and shared understanding. Approach it with preparation and intention, and you’ll set yourself up for a positive experience and beautiful, confidence-enhancing results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery Consultations

How much does a Plastic Surgery consultation cost?

Consultation fees vary widely, typically ranging from complimentary to $500. Some practices apply the consultation fee toward your surgery cost if you proceed. Always ask about the fee when scheduling and whether it’s refundable or applicable to your procedure.

How long does a typical consultation last?

Plan for 30-60 minutes, though complex cases or combination procedures may require more time. If a Surgeon rushes through your consultation in 10-15 minutes, or the consultation is done by another member of the surgeon’s office, that’s a red flag.

Should I get consultations from multiple Plastic Surgeons?

Yes, consulting with 2-3 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons is wise. It allows you to compare approaches, personalities, and recommendations, helping you make a more informed decision.

Can I bring someone with me to my consultation?

Absolutely. A trusted friend or family member can provide emotional support, help you remember information, and offer a second perspective. Just ensure they’re supportive of your decision to pursue surgery.

What if I’m not ready to schedule surgery after my consultation?

There’s no obligation to schedule surgery immediately — or ever. A reputable Surgeon will never pressure you. Take the time you need to make a confident decision.

How soon after my consultation can I schedule surgery?

This varies by practice and Surgeon availability. Some Surgeons are booked months in advance, while others have more immediate availability. If you’re ready to proceed, ask about the typical timeline during your consultation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering Plastic Surgery and want a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who prioritizes patient education, safety, and natural-looking results, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your options, and create a personalized surgical plan designed to help you look and feel your most confident.

Contact our San Francisco Bay Area office today to schedule your comprehensive Plastic Surgery consultation.