TIPS FOR YOUR CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT
What should you know about your counselling interview? What should you learn?
Why is counselling important?
Of course, it is also important to critically discuss your expectations and wishes in order to clarify what is possible or recommended and what is not. This will give you a realistic picture of what results you can expect.
What should I look for when choosing my specialist?
There are many doctors who offer aesthetic treatments and/or surgeries. Not everyone has the same qualifications. Colloquially, people often speak of cosmetic surgeons, beauty doctors, beauty docs, cosmetic surgeons, etc. - however, these terms are not protected professional titles, so that any doctor may call himself that!
German legislation allows any doctor to perform any operation he/she feels confident to perform - regardless of the nature of his/her professional training.
Specialist titles, on the other hand, are protected professional titles. For example, a specialist must complete several years of further training in a specialist area under the supervision of a further training officer appointed and certified by the respective state medical association and finally pass a specialist examination.
A Specialist for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery must accordingly be able to demonstrate sound training and experience with minimum numbers of independently performed operations in the field of reconstructive surgery, burn surgery, hand surgery and aesthetic surgery. A patient should check that the specialist has appropriate qualifications and is able to perform the desired surgery. Always be cautious if no official specialist designation is listed.
Also pay attention to the specified Memberships and also check the information with the respective professional associations.
Another important factor in the choice of specialist is the Relationship of trust between doctor and patient. You should feel in good hands and be able to trust the doctor.
In addition to professional competence and counselling, the choice of practice or clinic is also important. As a patient, you should find out in advance about the practice/clinic and its Hygiene standards to ensure that the operation is carried out under optimal conditions.
Another clue can be the imprint of an internet offer. This will tell you who the provider of the information is.
Where can I find information about specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery?
1. online research
The internet is an excellent source for finding information about plastic and cosmetic surgery specialists. You can usually find information online about the experience and qualifications, the career of the doctor, and details about procedures offered in each case. However, you should always be a little cautious about recommendations on websites, as many providers offer placements / recommendations in return for remuneration. Therefore, a frequent mention on many websites does not necessarily mean that this provider is experienced and has a high level of expertise.
2. seals and awards
You should be careful with seals and awards be careful. For the use of some seals, providers must pay the issuer a fee, otherwise the seal may not be used. In this case, the seal is not an award of quality. Therefore, with seals, always pay attention to who and how they are issued accordingly.
3. ratings & reviews
Ratings and recessions are increasingly influencing decisions. However, there are some problems here, as the Most recessions and ratings not verified be made. In addition, it should be noted that people who are dissatisfied (for whatever reason) are much more likely to write evaluations than patients who are satisfied.
4. recommendations from friends and family
It can also be helpful, Friends and family members by recommendation of specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. This will give you first-hand experience and information. However, you should also question this information.
Not everyone voluntarily admits that they have chosen the wrong provider - rather, some things are "glossed over". Also, you should not blindly trust a recommendation by friends or family, but again question the qualification for an appropriate specialist qualification for plastic and aesthetic surgery.
5. medical facilities / specialists
You can also ask in a facility / practice in the same specialty if you have had experience with provider A or B.
6. professional associations
There are various Professional associations for plastic surgerythat provide information about their members and their qualifications. By visiting the website of such an association, you can find information about specialists in your area.
7. detailed and comprehensive advice
Make sure that you have a Detailed and comprehensive advice received. Here, not only should everything be "talked up", but risks, dangers or possible problems and complications should also be pointed out.
8. no time pressure
Make sure that you not subject to time pressure are. You should be free to decide for yourself whether you want to have the desired change carried out. In addition, you must have enough time to think about it between your consultation and the operation.
9. beware of free advice
According to the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act, all medical services must be billed. This also includes anamnesis and consultation.
10. be careful with package deals
The extent of the operation always depends on your individual initial situation and your desired result. Therefore, the respective expenses for a treatment always differ. As a result, the costs for the respective intervention are also always individual.
What questions should I ask the specialist during a consultation?
During a consultation, you should get detailed information about the procedure and clarify all open questions. To help you prepare for your consultation appointment, we have put together some important aspects for you to consider:
1. experience of the doctor:
- Ask about his/her qualifications and experience
- How long has he/she been in his/her profession?
- How many operations has he / she already performed? (unfortunately this number cannot be verified as there is no central register)
2. risks and side effects:
3. procedures and techniques:
4. results:
What will the final result of the cosmetic surgery look like? Although the general publication of before and after pictures of aesthetic treatments and operations is prohibited by law, we are allowed to show you pictures of previous patients during a personal consultation. This way you can get an idea of what you can expect
5. aftercare:
Aftercare is an important part of the healing process after cosmetic surgery / aesthetic surgery. Ask about the necessary steps you must take and observe after the operation in order not to endanger or promote the regular healing process.
6. costs:
Of course, also ask about the costs. Also raise the point of what the costs will be if a problem arises in the course of healing or a complication.
These costs are usually not included as standard, so you should take out follow-up cost insurance for aesthetic operations. According to the current legal situation, health insurance companies may also allow patients to share the costs.
Conclusion and summary
Consultation and professional expertise are elementary and indispensable in cosmetic surgery / aesthetic treatments and operations
If you are interested in an aesthetic operation / cosmetic surgery, a consultation with a qualified and experienced specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery is indispensable. Every treatment/surgery is an individual decision and requires the individual presentation of different therapy options and precise surgical planning as well as knowledge about possible risks and complications.
You should have a realistic idea of the possible outcome of the treatment and/or surgery after the consultation. An individual consultation with a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery is therefore indispensable in order to achieve an optimal result.
Only through a comprehensive, detailed and individual consultation will you receive the information you need so that you can make an informed decision and a satisfactory result can be achieved.