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Before scheduling a consultation with a physician or dentist, request brochures describing the doctor's practice, and develop a list of questions in order to discuss what is involved with a specific procedure. Force yourself to become Internet savvy or enlist the services of someone who can help you. Ask other medical specialists like your gynecologist or internist for a referral. Make sure the doctor or dentist is a reputable member of an organization of surgeons who specialize and that he has documented education in performing the procedures you are considering. Visit their websites, request their bio or CV, practice brochure and materials about the procedures you are investigating. Get to know as much as you can about the doctor or dentist before you make the appointment to save your valuable time and money. Find out in advance about the range of fees so you can be prepared to stay within your budget. Once your initial list is narrowed down, start scheduling your consultation visits. The consultation visit can run fifteen minutes to a full hour in some cases. Most doctors charge only the one consultation fee, even if you come back two or three times before your procedure. However, consultation fees can add up if you will be seeing several doctors. If you do your homework ahead of time, you may be able to rule out some of the doctors on your list based on what you find out even before you make your appointment. This is where the services of a specialized cosmetic surgery consultant can save you money in the long run. KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK It is common practice in cosmetic surgery for a doctor to hand you a mirror at the beginning of the consultation and ask you to show him what is bothering you, "What can I do for you?" It is your responsibility to communicate your goals to the doctor or dentist. You are not expected to know exactly what you need on your own, but you should be able to explain as specifically as possible what you don't like about your face, body or smile, what looks different or not as good as it used to, and what you want to change or improve. Don't arrive at your consultation appointment with a blank slate. Most practitioners hate to be asked the ubiquitous question, "What would you do to me?" Prepare a list of questions to bring with you to your consultation visit so you don't forget anything important to ask, and do take notes. You will forget most of what he or she tells you during the initial visit, and writing it all down will come in handy later on. Save the questions about fees, payment and scheduling for the doctor's secretary. You need to know the basics of the procedure and how they apply directly to you specifically. Understanding the limitations of the procedure is also crucial. Skin type, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, bone structure, general health, dental health, previous surgery to the area, and many other factors will determine to some extent the quality of the result you can expect. COSTS Fees for cosmetic surgery vary widely depending on the extent of the procedure, the number of procedures being done in one stage, the amount of time it will take to perform, and, of course, the geographic region you are having it performed in and of course the surgeon you select. For example, fees are higher in major metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles than in a small suburban town. It is never wise to choose a doctor for a cosmetic procedure solely on the basis of cost. When calculating the total costs, there are several separate charges to consider. First there is the doctor's fee. There may be the additional cost of an operating room and for the anesthesiologist if one is required. The operating room may also bill for laboratory and for supplies separately. Fees quoted should be all inclusive. Ask for a breakdown so you understand all of the costs involved. Some doctors will apply the consultation fee you have paid towards the cost of your procedure. The anesthesiologist's fee may be set at a fixed amount or a percentage of the surgical fee, or it may be charged based on the number of hours the surgery takes. Most doctors will charge a consultation fee that is paid on the day of your initial visit. In some cases, this fee may be applied to the cost of the procedure you are having. Consultations may range from $75 to $350 in special cases. THE IMPORTANCE OF SECOND OPINIONS There is no precise formula for choosing the right physician or dentist for cosmetic procedures. Ultimately, you have to use your own judgment and instincts. Never go with the first or only doctor you see; always get at least a second opinion and preferably three or more before you choose. Even if you may love the first doctor you see and feel very comfortable with him, go and see at least one or two others for confirmation and comparison. After the third, you may still find you want to go with the first one you saw, but only after you see others are you really qualified to choose wisely. Unless you feel comfortable with the doctor and what he or she is recommending for you, wait and re-think it again or see another doctor until it feels like a good fit. If it doesn't feel right, you should always continue with the interview process. Once you have narrowed down your list to two or three names, go back and see the frontrunner again. You should always see the doctor or dentist who will be doing your actual procedure at least twice before the operation. This second meeting should leave you feeling confident that you have made a wise choice. You may still have some sleepless nights and pre-surgery jitters but, by this time, you should have confidence in the doctor you have chosen. Finding the right cosmetic doctor or dentist is a very personal journey. What appeals to one person, may be totally inappropriate or offensive to another. You owe it to yourself to approach cosmetic procedure like an empowered and educated consumer. Working with a legitimate cosmetic surgery consultant who can give you an impartial view on what your options are, is a worthwhile investment. Dr. Weinzweig, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Weinzweig, the owner and director of the Chicago Medspa, is an Illinois cosmetic surgeon who is a member of many prestigious plastic surgery societies. All other non-surgical procedures are performed by Dr. Weinzweig or a highly trained specialist directly overseen by the doctors. Unless otherwise stated, models were used on this website. Prices and service availability may vary by location.
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