The consultation visit can be very challenging and create a great deal of and anxiety.  It is easy for different information sources to provide a list of questions to ask the doctor.  What is not so easy,is finding out what to do with the information.  It can be daunting, overwhelming, and downright exhausting to go through the recommended magic number of three consultations. The reality is, most patients are truly shopping for a price versus a solution.  This is not to blame the patient because after all we are all very familiar with money and what it means to our pocket.  The confusion begins when patients have to figure out on their own is it worth it. Yesterday, a client told me of an experience where she had gone into a cosmetic surgeons office for a consultation for liposuction of the abdomen.  According to my client, the doctor told her that he would do the liposuction on her abdomen, love handles, and her lower back.  In other words. her entire waist.  When she asked the doctor about her loose skin(she has had three children and is 44 years old), he told her that it would tighten up, but she cannot expect to look 18 years old.  I told my client( after the fact, since I was not there) what he told her  was an unacceptable statement.  What does it mean?  He did not know her when she was 18, so what frame of reference is he using? Basically, when cosmetic surgeons use this phrase without being very specific about what they mean, it typically translate to: your stomach will look the same after surgery.  As the patient you will sign many written consents that state that you understand loose skin and asymmetries can happen after liposuction.  If you already have loose skin it is foolish to believe that any method of liposuction including laser, or Smart Lipo will tighten the skin.  This client actually had an abdominal pouch of skin.  The goal is to have the best surgery at the best price. The wrong procedure is always expensive and a waste of money.

Prior to being the Director of New Patient Development and Administration for a successful plastic surgery practice in Southern California Angela held the same position for a successful plastic surgery practice in the Southeast. Angela started Cosmetic Surgery Advisors with over 16 years of plastic surgery sales and business development experience.Business and sales skills have served the practices and our patients very well.  Angela's strengths and her passion are creating a positive and professional patient experience. On August 23, 2007,   The APCA (the Aesthetic Patient Coordinator Association) called 1,413 plastic surgery practices in California and spoke with 543 patient coordinators. Angela Segal received a 5, the highest score given, in every category. This award is special because the primary function was in a management capacity, yet Angela always placed the patient at the highest priority.