What would you ask/do differently

For those of you that have already had plastic surgery of any kind - is there anything you wished you would have asked or known before your surgery or anything that you would have done differently?  I have an initial consult scheduled for the end of August and I would like to be able to get the most out of it.  I have not decided which procedure I want done or when, I want to meet with the surgeon and if I think it is a good fit get their recommendation for the biggest bang for my hard earned bucks.

Thanks all for any input you can give me. 

-Angela

Great questions!  Can't wait to read the answers!

Angela - I think it would help to know which area(s) you are most concerned with when you visit with your PS.  The more specific you can be - the better able they are to answer your questions.  I understand about the biggest bang for your $$$ as I am self-pay also.  Some doctors will do more than one procedure at a time depending on how much you want done.

I also recommend more than one consultation and then when you choose your ps - a follow up consult.  My ps did not charge me for my follow up to answer any more questions that I had, etc.

Good Luck!
Gracie150

I would have found these boards and read them in depth before my consults. I got consults, scheduled and then read.

Read and form a list of questions based on what you have read.

My one suggestion is not go in there emotional and sign up for more than you can afford. I got two consults--first surgeon tried to sell me a tummy tuck AND breast implants when I went in for a brachio/arm lift. My surgeon just went over what I asked..he was super detailed, never tried to sell me more, and explainined EVERYTHING to me. I did ask him for a consult for a tummy tuck. He gave it to me, also.

Before scheduling, I waited about a month weighing all the pros and cons to both and ended up deciding to wait on the TT for a number of reasons. I'm glad I waited, because it was an emotional decision and not something I've wanted for yrs.

Also, I'd think about payment...I didn't go for consults until I had saved over half of my surgery fees. I wanted to not owe anyone...and I didn't.

NOW, three weeks out from just a brachio, I want implants...I'm most def waiting a yr or more for those, though.

Don't wait til the last minute to do your pre-surgery ekg and bloodwork like I did!  Low ekg led to surgery postponed untl I seeing a cardiologist (which I was able to do the next day so this drama could have been curtailed) - long story short everything's fine but as you can see - some bad habits like procrastination, take a lot of work to overcome   Good luck!!!

Think about what you are unhappy with.  You may want to decided what you want done the most.
Ask your sugeon what he thinks he should do as far as procedures to have the best outcome.  For example-a panniculectomy only cuts off the lower abdomen skin.  You'll be left with upper belly skin or fat if you have that left.  So you may need a full tummy tuck or fleur de lis (anchor cut).  You may want a breast lift but will be left with empty looking breasts.  You may need implants also.
See how many procedures you can combine at once.  This saves on costs of anesthesia and facility.  You also can save on time off work.  You insurance may also pay for part of the anesthesia or facility for one of the procedures.  I combined my Fleur de lis TT, lipo, breast lift and implants.  Also add on's such as the upper part of a tummy tuck to a panni saves money!
Can you have the surgery outpatient?  I had my surgery outpatient and saved a ton of money. 
The office staff will send in a pre-determination to your insurance to see what they cover.  They will also give you estimates of surgery costs so you can prepare.
Does the surgeon take medical credit cards such as Care Credit?  You can apply and get an answer in a couple minutes.  Interest rates are low and you can pay it off in 1-5 years. 
Good luck to you.  I'm so glad I decided to proceed and have my surgery.  I still felt heavy with all my skin.  I feel like a real skinny person now.