What to expect from your consultation
Coming to see a
plastic surgeon can be a daunting thought, whether you are coming
about a mole to be removed through to a facelift or breast
reconstruction. Mr Pacifico is acutely aware of this and will
immediately put you at ease with his warm, friendly and
professional approach.
You will get most out of your consultation if you have had the
opportunity to do some reading about the area you are interested in
beforehand. Mr Pacifico highly recommends reading through the
relevant information on the website prior to your appointment. This
will allow a more in depth discussion between you, and you will get
more out of the consultation.
On the whole the consultation will initially start with Mr
Pacifico finding out about you, your reasons for coming and your
expectations. He will then take a thorough medical history. This is
followed by careful clinical examination. As part of the
examination process, Mr Pacifico routinely takes clinical
photographs of the areas you are concerned about, having obtained
your consent. He will then use these as the focus of your
discussion, after uploading them for you both to view on a
computer.
There will be a lot of information to take in during the first
consultation, but it is important not to worry about remembering
everything: in addition to providing you with detailed written
information, Mr Pacifico will write to you summarising your
discussion, his examination findings and the possible plan that you
discussed.
Mr Pacifico will normally invite you back for a second
consultation around 2-weeks after the first. This allows you time
to reflect on what has been discussed, and gives you an opportunity
to read the written information provided as well as the letter you
will receive about your consultation. Furthermore, by then you will
have received a quote for the proposed procedure enabling you to
consider the financial aspects.
Planning and booking surgery usually takes place at the second
consultation. Any necessary pre-operative tests and investigations
are also planned in the lead up to your surgery date.
Occasionally Mr Pacifico will offer a free 15-minute
pre-consultation visit. Although he would never book anyone for
surgery from such a brief meeting, it allows enough time for him to
meet you and discuss with you whether in principle the procedure
you had in mind was appropriate, and if not, whether any
alternatives would be recommended.