Many reasons can lead people to choose cosmetic surgery, but the motivation often stems from a common place: a desire to feel more confident. It’s easy to think of these procedures as aesthetic alone, but changing the way you feel about yourself can have a positive effect on your well-being.
“A lot of people want cosmetic surgery, but they’re nervous. They’re not sure about whether the doctor will be honest about what’s right for them,” says Brian Bruggeman, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon with ThedaCare. “Here, we provide an opportunity to talk to people about whether they’re a good candidate for a procedure.”
It’s common to have many questions when considering cosmetic surgery. That’s why ThedaCare offers no-obligation consultations that provide an opportunity to get answers and help people determine whether a procedure is right for them.
Here, Dr. Bruggeman shares what to expect during a cosmetic surgery consultation.
Answering Common Cosmetic Surgery Questions
What types of cosmetic surgery does ThedaCare offer?
ThedaCare offers the following types of cosmetic surgery:
- Abdominoplasty — tummy tuck
- Brachioplasty — arm lift
- Brazilian butt lift
- Breast implant removal
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
- Mastopexy — breast lift
- “Mommy makeover” — may include breast enhancement, tummy tuck and liposuction
- Thighplasty — thigh lift
What are some common reasons people may choose cosmetic surgery?
The answer is highly personal and varies.
Oftentimes, people consider surgery because they want to restore an aspect of their body that has changed. One common example is the shifts that happen after giving birth. Women typically experience changes to their abdomen and breasts, especially after breastfeeding. A “mommy makeover” procedure can help address these. It may include breast enhancement, tummy tuck and liposuction.
Another issue that comes up frequently is changes that occur after significant weight loss. Procedures designed for the abdomen, breasts, face, neck, arms, buttocks and thighs can help.
People also may choose surgery to enhance a part of their body. Examples of these include breast implants or reductions and Brazilian butt lift, a cosmetic fat-transfer procedure that enhances the size and shape of the buttocks.
Liposuction can be a good choice to remove excess fullness in certain areas when a person is at or near their goal body weight. People also may wish to reshape their body with liposuction by deepening their waist or removing unwanted excess in the arms and thighs.
Why should I choose ThedaCare for cosmetic surgery?
It’s not uncommon to encounter national and international liposuction-based organizations that are run by patient coordinators who are incentivized to sign up people for procedures. Patients may not have clear expectations going into their procedure and might not meet their doctor until the day of their scheduled surgery.
“Here, instead of feeling pressured to do what you are hoping will be best for you, we will discuss all your options and communicate what to expect well before the day of surgery,” Dr. Bruggeman says.
If I’m interested in cosmetic surgery, how do I get started?
The process begins with a consultation with a surgeon. They will inform you about:
- Treatment options
- Type of anesthesia (local or general) you will receive
- Specific information about the procedure
- Post-operative care and recovery
- Potential complications associated with the procedure
“A consult should customize approaches to each individual patient,” Dr. Bruggeman says. “A good consultation is as important as the surgery to match the right procedures to the patients.”
The length of consults varies, typically ranging from 20 to 60 minutes. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
“You are in charge, and the consult can be as short or as long and thorough as you like,” Dr. Bruggeman says.
What questions do you hear most frequently in consultations?
“The most common questions people have when they come in for consults are, ‘Can I afford this?’ and ‘Is it dangerous?’” Dr. Bruggeman says. “They want to know the risks of what they are hoping to have done and if it will look as good as they are hoping.”
Your consultation will help answer all these questions. Before and after photos can help show you people with concerns and goals similar to yours. Through this, you can judge for yourself whether the procedure is a good fit and worth it for you.
What can I expect by the end of the consultation?
Cosmetic surgery is a big decision. Your consultation is designed to inform and reassure you, not pressure you.
“If you’re shopping for your doctor, we can just talk, but if you’re ready and want to book we can do that,” Dr. Bruggeman says.
Before surgery, you’ll have an exam, learn your exact recommendations, hear about risks and benefits, and receive a price quote. If your surgery is scheduled for more than six weeks after your consultation, you will need to come again for a pre-op appointment.
To help ensure a seamless experience, you will work with a patient care coordinator. They will guide you through your procedure, streamlining logistics, managing financial details and providing emotional support.
“You should leave your consultation feeling confident about the surgeon you’ve just chosen and have all the information you need,” Dr. Bruggeman says.
Options to Meet Your Needs
The ThedaCare team can help you understand your options and choose treatments that align with your goals, preferences and needs. In addition to cosmetic surgery, we offer medical aesthetic treatments.
Regardless of which treatment or procedure you choose, it’s all toward the same goal: helping you look and feel your best.
Dr. Bruggeman has seen it countless times.
“Far and away, the most rewarding part of being a plastic surgeon is seeing a patient who really gets a good result,” he says. “You can tell when they walk into the room for their post-op visit, there’s something different about their smile. They feel better.”
