For those of you that had virtual consults, especially if you traveled for the actual surgery, how did you gain confidence in your surgeon and their plan? Did they ask to see pictures? See on video? Did they make modifications to the plan once you were in person? I'm nervous about selecting a Dr. that won't actually see me until just before the surgery but I'm not really liking my local surgeons so far.

I've had one virtual consult and one in person. The virtual one didn't fill me with confidence. That could have been the surgeon, but I'm curious about others experience. I have another virtual consult next week and maybe that one will be better...

I was very happy with virtual consults because I traveled a long way for surgery. Also I became even more confident in my decision to go that route once almost every doctor adopted Telehealth virtual visits during the pandemic.

The bulk of the consults were picture based, probably because they could zoom in on a static photo and possibly game plan according to measurements. Once you’re in person the surge may suggest slightly different things based off of what they can see clearer or feel. This did happen to me and we talked through the reasons for the changes (*these were not upcharging changes but recommendations based on safety*).

I looked up my surgeons credentials and previous patient results. Then went deep into research of the procedures and techniques. Doing that helped me gain confidence in my knowledge of what was going to happen and I was actually able to follow along with what the surgeon was talking about.

Edited February 14, 20215 yr by GreenTealael

I was fine with them. My surgeon said what I wanted to hear.

On 2/14/2021 at 4:48 AM, GreenTealael said:

I was very happy with virtual consults because I traveled a long way for surgery. Also I became even more confident in my decision to go that route once almost every doctor adopted Telehealth virtual visits during the pandemic.

The bulk of the consults were picture based, probably because they could zoom in on a static photo and possibly game plan according to measurements. Once you’re in person the surge may suggest slightly different things based off of what they can see clearer or feel. This did happen to me and we talked through the reasons for the changes (*these were not upcharging changes but recommendations based on safety*).

I looked up my surgeons credentials and previous patient results. Then went deep into research of the procedures and techniques. Doing that helped me gain confidence in my knowledge of what was going to happen and I was actually able to follow along with what the surgeon was talking about.

Thanks for sharing. The one I have a consult with this week hasn't asked for pictures although the first one did... Maybe I'll have some queued up and ready in case he asks on the call.

If you are willing to share, who did you end up having your surgery with?

I had both in person consults locally, and virtual consults with a couple doctors in other states. The one I chose was across the country. I sent a series of photos and had a zoom consult with him, then had a pre op visit in person the day before surgery where all details were finalized. Now that I’m back home I’ve also had a couple virtual post op visits.

I had 3 consults, all virtual!

I met my surgeon in person for the first time at my pre-op appt which was 1 week prior to surgery. The only thing that changed after my in-person exam was that she didn't think I had enough fat to lipo on my flanks, so moved my lipo from the flanks to my back (where my fat was)!

On 02/13/2021 at 21:15, loridee11 said:

For those of you that had virtual consults, especially if you traveled for the actual surgery, how did you gain confidence in your surgeon and their plan? Did they ask to see pictures? See on video? Did they make modifications to the plan once you were in person? I'm nervous about selecting a Dr. that won't actually see me until just before the surgery but I'm not really liking my local surgeons so far.

I've had one virtual consult and one in person. The virtual one didn't fill me with confidence. That could have been the surgeon, but I'm curious about others experience. I have another virtual consult next week and maybe that one will be better...

I did some local consults and also one that was 4 hours away. I drove to that consult. For me, I wanted an in person consult. Now I went with the one who is 4 hours away so I do have to drive back and forth for the appt but I’d rather go the distance for the best. Good luck to you on your journey!! So exciting!!

Thanks! I had the virtual consult with a local Dr. this week (Covid). I think I like him. His plan aligns with what I was hoping for (arms, breasts and tummy tuck). He has a surgeon he works with sometimes who he is going to consult with and who will likely help close if i go with him. I've looked him up and he seems really qualified as well. He thinks that alone will take a couple hours off the surgery and keep it safer.

If I think I want to move forward he does want to do an in person consult before we lock on anything which I really like. I also really like that he is local so I could recover at home where I have a recliner, adjustable bed, and my dog to snuggle with I will want to hire a nurse to help for a couple days since that is A LOT of surgery and I live alone.