A Plastic Surgery Consultation: What to Expect, What to Ask, and What You Might Not Know
The decision had been simmering for a while—not rushed or impulsive. Maybe it started after weight loss, pregnancy, or simply a growing feeling that the person in the mirror didn’t match how youthful and energized you still felt. After hours of research, scrolling before-and-after photos, and weighing pros and cons, the next step became clear: it was time to schedule a consultation.
But what actually happens during a plastic surgery consultation? Is it just a sales pitch? Will you be pressured into booking? Will your concerns be heard—or hurried?
For anyone exploring cosmetic surgery, understanding the consultation process is key. It’s not just the first step—it’s the foundation for everything that follows.
Why the Consultation Matters
In 2023, over 26 million cosmetic procedures were performed worldwide, with the U.S. leading the way.¹ And yet, many patients still walk into their consultations feeling nervous, uncertain, or underprepared.
A thorough consultation does more than confirm if you’re a candidate for surgery. It builds trust, sets expectations, and outlines a customized plan that fits your goals—not someone else’s idea of beauty.
At Atagi Plastic Surgery and Skin Aesthetics in Lone Tree, every consultation is designed to be educational, empowering, and pressure-free. Dr. Tanya Atagi, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 22 years of experience and artistry, personally meets with each patient to evaluate their goals and recommend options.
Here’s exactly what to expect—and a few things most websites won’t tell you.
Step One: The Initial Conversation with Dr. Atagi
Your consultation begins with a private, one-on-one meeting with Dr. Atagi. This is your chance to openly share your concerns, whether it’s loose skin, volume loss, asymmetry, or just the sense that you look older or more tired than you feel.
She listens closely, asks thoughtful questions, and helps you articulate your goals—even if you’re unsure how to express them. Many patients say they didn’t realize how much they needed a professional’s insight to clarify what really bothered them.
From there, Dr. Atagi performs a physical examination of the area you’re interested in treating—whether it’s the face, breasts, abdomen, arms, or elsewhere. This step is not about judgment; it’s a clinical, respectful evaluation that allows her to assess skin elasticity, fat distribution, and anatomical structure so she can offer realistic and safe recommendations.
Step Two: Exploring Your Options
This is where the consult becomes collaborative. Dr. Atagi walks you through different procedures that can help achieve your goals. This might include:
- Facial procedures (e.g., facelift, eyelid lift, facial fat transfer)
- Breast surgery (augmentation, lift, reduction)
- Body contouring (tummy tuck, liposuction, BodyTite)
- Minimally invasive or non- surgical options if surgery isn’t necessary yet
For those considering breast augmentation, this is also the time to try on sizers. You’ll wear a tank top to place implant sizers inside to help visualize your preferred shape and volume. Patients often find this experience empowering—it transforms guesswork into something tangible.
You’ll also have the opportunity to view before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar concerns. These images are chosen to reflect realistic, natural outcomes and provide a sense of what’s possible.
Step Three: Meeting the Patient Coordinator
Once you’ve discussed procedure options, you’ll meet with the patient coordinator. This step ensures your journey is practical and seamless.
Your patient coordinator will:
- Review the treatment plan discussed with Dr. Atagi
- Provide transparent pricing
- Go over financing options if needed
- Help look at potential surgery dates
- Answer logistical questions about downtime, recovery, and scheduling
Many patients don’t realize how helpful this step is until they experience it. Instead of navigating paperwork, costs, and logistics alone, you’re guided by someone who knows the process intimately and can help with everything from childcare planning to coordinating time off work.
What Most People Don’t Know
Here are a few consultation insights not usually mentioned online:
- Consultations are not sales pitches.
Reputable surgeons like Dr. Atagi don’t pressure anyone into booking surgery. The focus is always on patient safety, education, and comfort. If surgery isn’t the right choice—or the right time—you’ll hear that honestly.
- Not every concern needs surgery.
Some patients come in thinking they need a facelift, but are pleasantly surprised to learn that non-surgical options like Sculptra, fillers, or lasers can meet their needs—at least for a few more years.
- Photos are more helpful than you think.
Bringing “wish” photos or examples of features you like helps the surgeon understand your aesthetic goals. Even if the results aren’t exactly replicable, they give valuable context.
- You may need to think about adjacent areas.
If you’re interested in a tummy tuck, for example, Dr. Atagi may discuss liposuction to the hiprolls as well to optimize your outcome and to provide a whole-body view for proportional and natural looking results.
- It’s okay to bring someone with you.
If you feel more comfortable having a partner or trusted friend present, that’s encouraged—especially if it helps you absorb information or ask questions you might forget.
FAQs During Consultation
Q: How long does the consultation last?
Most appointments take about an hour to an hour and a half, giving plenty of time for discussion, examination, and planning.
Q: Is there a consultation fee?
Yes, there is a consultation fee, which can often be applied toward the procedure if you move forward.
Q: How soon can surgery be scheduled?
This depends on Dr. Atagi’s availability and your own schedule, but many patients can find a date within 4–8 weeks.
Why This Process Works
According to a 2023 RealSelf survey, 91% of patients who met personally with their surgeon before surgery reported higher satisfaction.² Personalized consultations reduce anxiety, set clear expectations, and result in better outcomes.
At Atagi Plastic Surgery and Skin Aesthetics in Lone Tree, we take consultations seriously because they build the trust that leads to great results. Every patient deserves to feel seen, heard, and confident in their decision—whether they move forward with surgery now or choose to wait.
Plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision, and no two journeys are alike. Your consultation should feel like a safe, informative experience—not a rushed pitch. With the right guidance, you’ll gain clarity about your options, confidence in your plan, and excitement for what’s ahead.
So, if you’ve been thinking about cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, what’s stopping you from scheduling your consultation and taking the first step?
Sources:
- ISAPS Global Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures, 2023
- RealSelf U.S. Consumer Survey Report, 2023
