As you have likely noticed when researching plastic surgery, consultation fee pricing runs the gamut. This understandably leaves many patients wondering, should plastic surgeons charge consultation fees? 

Meeting the Surgeon

As you can imagine, plastic surgeons invest a considerable amount of time and energy into their potential patients during a consultation. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon not only reviews your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for surgery, but she will also review the procedure you are interested in as well as the alternatives, benefits, risks, and potential complications. The plastic surgeon will also answer your questions. This takes time and expertise.

If your initial consultation is not with a Plastic Surgeon, that should be a red flag. Does it really make sense for a non-medical person to review your medical history and create a surgical plan tailored for you? Meeting your surgeon on the day of your procedure is not ideal. What if the surgeon does not have the same vision as you do for your transformation? What if the surgeon has never encountered your particular issue? You will likely feel pressure to proceed as you’ve already paid for your surgery and have made arrangements for time off and your aftercare. This is not an ideal scenario. 

Let’s look at this another way. If your vehicle is in need of repair, would you rather talk to the cashier or some other non-mechanic personnel about the diagnosis and what should be done to repair your vehicle or would you rather discuss your vehicle’s needs with the mechanic? Why should it be any different when it comes to your body? It should be even more essential to talk to the Plastic Surgeon at your initial consultation. You can get a new car — you can’t get a new body. When it comes to determining the correct procedure to meet your aesthetic goals, it should not be a non-Plastic Surgeon discussing your diagnosis and surgical plan. The Plastic Surgeon actually performing your surgery, not a “representative,” should be sitting with you face-to-face to discuss not only your surgery, but what to expect as well. 

What to expect in your consultation

Sometimes potential patients balk at paying a consultation fee. Remember that when you meet with the Plastic Surgeon, she is using her knowledge and expertise to evaluate your specific situation. And with the majority of Plastic Surgeons, including Dr. Geers, your consult fee will be applied to your surgery if you elect to move forward. And even if you don’t move forward with surgery, know that you didn’t leave with “nothing” or “waste” your time if you paid a fee. The information provided during a consultation is invaluable in helping you make the right final decision for you. 

The consultation is probably one of the most important steps in your entire plastic surgery journey. Dr. Geers performs all consultations herself and there are limited consultation spots available a week. During that visit, Dr. Geers will take the time to understand specifically what your concerns are and what you are hoping to achieve with surgery. She will also perform a detailed history and physical exam and review with you a customized surgical plan. In addition, she will describe the procedures with you in detail and answer all your questions. 

If you’re serious about plastic surgery, a consultation fee that is a small percentage of what you will pay for your procedure should not be a barrier. A patient willing to pay the consultation fee lets the Plastic Surgeon know you are dedicated to improving your appearance with cosmetic surgery and that you respect the Plastic Surgeon’s time. A Plastic Surgeon is a professional with years of education, training, and experience. Like an Attorney or Accountant, it is fair and reasonable for a Plastic Surgeon to be compensated for the time devoted to your questions and concerns.

Dr. Geers’ thorough consultation process not only carries over to her surgical technique, but also to her meticulous postoperative care. Dr. Geers’ care for you doesn’t end when she puts down the scalpel and places the last stitch. Dr. Geers personally evaluates you at each of your postoperative appointments. She doesn’t turn postoperative care over to a “representative.” With Dr. Geers, you’re not just paying for a surgery, you’re paying for an experience.

Call 719-633-5255 to schedule your detailed consultation with Colorado Springs Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Millicent Geers.