Walking into a plastic surgery consultation can feel overwhelming. You know something about your appearance bothers you, but finding the right words to explain exactly what you want to change and why can be surprisingly tricky.
The good news is that effective communication with your surgeon doesn’t require medical terminology or a perfect vocabulary. It simply involves honesty, preparation, and a willingness to share your goals and concerns openly.
Expert Guidance in North Shore
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery North Shore, Dr. Anoush Hadaegh understands that every patient arrives with a unique vision for their appearance. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience serving patients throughout the greater Boston area, southern New Hampshire, and southern Maine, Dr. Hadaegh has built his practice on clear communication and collaborative decision-making. He takes the time to truly listen during consultations, ensuring that every treatment plan reflects not only what you want to achieve but also what’s realistically possible for your body and lifestyle.
Start With What Bothers You Most
Rather than trying to describe the solution, focus first on the problem. Point to the specific area that concerns you and explain how it affects your daily life. Do you:
- Avoid certain clothing styles?
- Feel self-conscious in photos?
- Notice changes after pregnancy or weight loss?
These real-life examples help Dr. Hadaegh understand the emotional and practical impact of your concerns, which is just as important as the physical aspects.
Bring Visual References
Photos are incredibly helpful, but use them wisely. Bring images of yourself from earlier years when you felt more confident about your appearance. This shows Dr. Hadaegh what your body looked like before aging, gravity, or life changes took their toll.
If you’re considering enhancements rather than restoration, celebrity or social media photos can provide a starting point, but be clear about what specifically appeals to you in those images. Is it the overall shape, size, proportion, or symmetry? Your surgeon can then explain whether that particular feature is achievable given your unique anatomy.
Be Honest About Your Lifestyle
Your daily routine, activity level, career demands, and recovery limitations all matter. It’s worth mentioning if you’re:
- A busy parent who can’t take extended time off
- An athlete or have physical job requirements
- Concerned about visible scarring in certain areas
Dr. Hadaegh can tailor the procedure selection and exact surgical technique to accommodate your real-world needs, but only if he knows what they are.
Discuss What You Don’t Want
Communicating what you’re trying to avoid is just as important as describing what you hope to achieve. Many patients want improvement, not transformation. Others fear looking different from themselves or having results that make it obvious they’ve had work done. These preferences directly influence surgical planning and help Dr. Hadaegh recommend approaches that align with your comfort level.
Ask Questions and Express Concerns
There are no silly questions during a surgical consultation. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. If you’re nervous about anesthesia, recovery pain, or long-term maintenance, bring it up. A great surgeon like Dr. Hadaegh will address every concern thoroughly and honestly, helping you make a fully informed decision.
Let’s Talk About Your Goals
If you’re considering plastic surgery and want to ensure you and your surgeon are on the same page from the start, Dr. Hadaegh welcomes the conversation. Contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgery North Shore to schedule a consultation today!
