Most surgeons who charge for visits will apply that fee to your procedure if. Sometimes potential patients are reluctant to pay a consultation fee. Remember that when you meet with the plastic surgeon, she will use her knowledge and experience to evaluate your specific situation. And with most plastic surgeons, including Dr. Of course, your consultation fee will apply to your surgery if you decide to go ahead.
And even if you don't go ahead with the surgery, you should know that you didn't run out of “anything” or “waste” your time if you paid a fee. The information provided during a consultation is invaluable in helping you make the final decision that is right for you. The price of your consultation will depend on the surgeon and the office you are meeting with. Many plastic surgeons offer free consultations, but you should ask about possible charges when you call to schedule your appointment. Some surgeons feel that they should be compensated for the time they spend with patients and will request a consultation fee.
Only in the rarest cases, a plastic surgeon will be able to conduct a consultation free of charge. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” plastic surgery and each patient has their own needs and very specific expectations. That's why a full consultation is much more than a quick conversation. The surgeon will perform a thorough medical exam, which will likely include taking photographs for analysis with advanced diagnostic imaging programs and, in some cases, even performing additional diagnostic tests to determine if you are a candidate for a specific procedure.
Only then will they use their years of experience and training to determine exactly the approach that will provide you with the best possible plastic surgery results. A patient willing to pay the consultation fee tells the plastic surgeon that you are dedicated to improving your appearance through cosmetic surgery and that you respect the plastic surgeon's time. I was undecided about the possibility of having surgery after the countless appointments I had at other surgical centers, but when I had my consultation at The Swan Center, I felt calm and comfortable enough to sign up for surgery soon after my visit. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires that the physician receive comprehensive education and training beyond medical school and surgical residency, including years of experience performing highly specialized plastic surgery techniques. We provide sufficient knowledge and detailed explanations so that patients can make informed decisions about their experience in plastic surgery.