Written or reviewed by David Bogue, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon.
A plastic surgery consultation is a detailed conversation and examination—not a commitment to surgery. Dr. Bogue will ask what you would like to change, review your medical history, examine the relevant area, explain realistic options and help you understand the benefits, limitations, scars, recovery and risks of each approach.
How Should You Prepare?
You do not need to arrive knowing the exact operation or implant you want. It is more useful to think about what concerns you, what result would feel successful and what tradeoffs you are willing to accept.
Before your appointment, be prepared to discuss:
- Your primary concern and the change you hope to achieve
- Medical conditions, prior operations and anesthesia experiences
- Prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines and supplements
- Nicotine use, including smoking, vaping and nicotine products
- Pregnancy plans, weight changes or other factors relevant to the procedure
- Your normal work, exercise and caregiving responsibilities
Photographs showing the general look you prefer can sometimes help communicate your goals, but they are reference points rather than guarantees. Your anatomy determines what is realistically achievable.
What Happens During the Consultation?
You will meet personally with Dr. Bogue. He will listen to your priorities before recommending a procedure. The physical examination helps determine whether your concern is primarily related to skin, fat, breast tissue, muscle position, implant-related changes or a combination of factors.
Dr. Bogue will then explain the available options and why one approach may fit your anatomy and goals better than another. Sometimes the best recommendation is different from the procedure a patient initially expected. In other cases, surgery may not be appropriate or may be better postponed.
How Is a Surgical Plan Developed?
The plan is individualized rather than selected from a standard package. Depending on the procedure, the discussion may include:
- The operation or combination of procedures being considered
- Incision placement and expected scars
- Implant selection or tissue-removal goals
- Anesthesia and the proposed surgical facility
- Time away from work, exercise and normal responsibilities
- Expected improvements and limitations
- Potential risks and the possibility of future surgery
For breast augmentation patients, Dr. Bogue may use the Arbrea 3D Simulator and Mentor sizing system to help compare implant options. These tools improve communication but do not promise an exact result.
Questions Worth Asking
A consultation should give you enough information to make an informed decision. Useful questions include:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Which approach do you recommend for me, and why?
- What can this procedure improve, and what will it not change?
- Where will the scars be located?
- What are the most important risks in my situation?
- Where will the operation be performed?
- How much help will I need during recovery?
- What is included in the quoted surgical fee?
Do You Have to Decide at the Appointment?
No. Cosmetic surgery should be considered carefully. You may take time to review the plan, discuss it with family and contact the office with additional questions. You should not feel pressured to schedule an operation before you are comfortable with the recommendation and recovery requirements.
What Happens After the Consultation?
If you are a candidate and want to proceed, the office will provide an individualized quote and help select a surgical date. You will receive procedure-specific preoperative instructions, required testing information and guidance about medications, transportation and postoperative support.
Surgical consultations are $100 and the fee is credited toward surgery when booked. Consultations for BOTOX® Cosmetic and injectable fillers are complimentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I meet with Dr. Bogue personally?
Yes. Dr. Bogue personally evaluates surgical patients, discusses the available options and develops the operative plan.
Do I need to know which procedure I want?
No. Explain the concern and the result you want. The examination helps determine which procedure—or whether any procedure—is appropriate.
Will I receive an exact cost?
If a surgical plan can be established, the office will provide an individualized quote reflecting the surgeon, anesthesia, facility and procedure-related costs.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. A trusted family member or friend can help you remember information and discuss the recovery plan, although portions of the medical discussion or examination may remain private.
Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation With Dr. David Bogue in Boca Raton
To meet with Dr. Bogue, call 561-886-1000 or request a consultation online. His Boca Raton practice serves patients from Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and surrounding South Florida communities.