Booking a plastic surgery consultation marks a meaningful first step, but what you do before you walk in the door shapes how useful that appointment actually becomes. A well-prepared patient gets more out of the conversation, makes better decisions, and enters the process with realistic expectations and genuine confidence.
Here’s exactly what to bring and what to ask to make the most of your time.
What to Bring
Your Medical History
Your surgeon needs a complete picture of your health before recommending any procedure. Come prepared with:
- A current list of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements
- Known allergies, especially to medications or anesthesia
- Previous surgeries and any complications you experienced
- Relevant medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, bleeding conditions, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues
- Any history of smoking or tobacco use, past or present
If you take blood thinners, hormonal medications, or supplements like fish oil or vitamin E, mention these specifically since they affect surgical planning.
Photo ID and Insurance Information
Even if your procedure is elective and not covered by insurance, bring your ID and insurance card. Some consultations involve medical documentation that requires it, and certain procedures like eyelid surgery sometimes qualify for partial coverage when functional impairment is involved.
A List of Your Goals and Concerns
Before your appointment, spend some time writing down what’s bothering you and what you hope changes. Be as specific as you can. “I want to look more rested,” is less informative than ‘the skin above my eyes feels heavy, and I look tired even when I’m not.” Concrete descriptions lead to more targeted conversations.
Reference Photos (Used Thoughtfully)
Bringing photos of results you find appealing can help your surgeon understand your aesthetic preferences quickly. A few guidelines:
- Choose photos that reflect realistic outcomes for your anatomy, not idealized images of a different face or body type
- Select multiple examples so your surgeon can identify the common thread in what appeals to you
- Bring photos of results you want to avoid as much as those you like; knowing what you don’t want is equally useful
A Notepad or Your Phone for Notes
You’ll hear a lot of information in a short window of time. Write things down or ask permission to record the conversation. Details about recovery timelines, pre-operative requirements, and procedure specifics tend to blur together afterward.
Someone You Trust (Optional but Valuable)
A second set of ears catches things you might miss when you’re nervous or processing a lot of new information. A trusted friend or family member can also help you evaluate the conversation and the office environment more objectively after you leave.
What to Ask
About the Surgeon
- Are you board-certified in plastic surgery, and by which board?
- How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of your own patients?
- What would you do differently if this were your face or body?
About the Procedure
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure, and are there any factors that could complicate my outcome?
- What technique do you recommend for my anatomy, and why?
- What are the realistic risks and potential complications?
- What happens if I’m unhappy with the results?
About Recovery
- What does the recovery timeline actually look like, day by day?
- How much time should I plan to take off work?
- What activities do I need to avoid, and for how long?
- What will I need at home to recover comfortably?
About Logistics
- Where does the procedure take place, and what type of anesthesia does it require?
- What does the total cost include, and what would cost extra?
- How many follow-up appointments should I expect?
Plastic Surgery Consultations Available
One Question Worth Asking Yourself Afterward
After the consultation, sit with this before booking: Did the surgeon listen more than they talked? A surgeon who asks about your goals before describing their preferred approach, addresses your specific concerns rather than steering toward their area of specialty, and gives honest answers about risks and limitations is one worth trusting.
At Awaken Aesthetics, we believe a good consultation should leave you clearer about your options, not pressured into a decision. If you’re considering facial plastic surgery and want a conversation built around your goals, we’d love to be your first call.
Dr. Attenello is the best!!! Perhaps it is her understanding the way us women via beauty but she really took the time to listen to what I had to say and not just interrupt me to tell me what she thought I should do (like other consults I’ve went to)! My eyelid surgery and facelift healed much faster than I expected and none of my friends know what I did; they just keep saying how refreshed and amazing I look after my vacation (I took a few days off to heal LOL)! As if a vacation could make someone look 10 years younger hahahaha
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about what you can expect from Onda Pro? Schedule a consultation at Awaken Aesthetics in Torrance, CA, to learn more by calling (310) 791-2233