Walking into a plastic surgeon’s office for the first time can feel intimidating. You might not know what to expect, what questions to ask, or even what you’ll be asked. Maybe you’re worried about feeling judged, pressured, or overwhelmed with medical terminology you don’t understand. These concerns are completely normal — and they’re exactly why I want to walk you through the entire consultation process, step by step.
At Kole Plastic Surgery Center in Southampton, PA, I conduct every consultation personally. There’s no coordinator, no sales team, and no pressure. It’s a conversation between you and me — a chance for us to get to know each other, discuss what’s bothering you, and explore whether plastic surgery is the right solution for your concerns. My goal is for you to leave feeling informed, comfortable, and confident about whatever decision you make, even if that decision is to wait or not pursue surgery at all.
Let me take you through exactly what happens during a consultation at my practice, so you know what to expect before you ever walk through the door.
What You’ll Learn
- Why the Consultation Matters More Than You Think
- Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare
- Step 1: The Welcome and Initial Conversation
- Step 2: Discussing Your Goals and Concerns
- Step 3: The Physical Examination
- Step 4: Exploring Your Options
- Step 5: Visualizing Your Results
- Step 6: Understanding the Details
- Step 7: Your Questions Answered
- What Happens After the Consultation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Your Free Consultation
Why the Consultation Matters More Than You Think
The consultation is the foundation of every successful plastic surgery outcome. It’s where we establish trust, set realistic expectations, and create a surgical plan tailored specifically to your body and your goals. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this initial meeting is crucial for patient safety and satisfaction because it allows both you and your surgeon to determine whether you’re a good candidate and whether you’re aligned on what the procedure can achieve.
But the consultation serves another equally important purpose: it lets you evaluate me. You’re not just a patient being examined — you’re interviewing a surgeon who may perform a significant procedure on your body. You should feel comfortable, heard, and confident in my abilities before moving forward. If something doesn’t feel right during the consultation, that’s important information. The relationship between a patient and surgeon is a partnership, and it needs to start on solid ground.
I wrote a book called “Cosmetic Surgery: The Risks & The Rewards” because I believe informed patients make the best decisions. The consultation is where that education begins.
Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare
A little preparation helps make your consultation productive. You don’t need to become an expert on plastic surgery, but coming in with some basic information makes our time together more effective.
Gather your medical history. I’ll ask about past surgeries, current medications, supplements, allergies, and any medical conditions. Being accurate and complete helps me assess your candidacy and plan for your safety.
Think about your goals. What specifically bothers you? What would you like to change? If you’ve seen results you admire — whether on our website or elsewhere — feel free to bring those images.
Write down your questions. It’s easy to forget things in the moment, so having a list ensures you cover everything important to you. No question is too basic.
Come as you are. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area you’d like to discuss.
Step 1: The Welcome and Initial Conversation
When you arrive at Kole Plastic Surgery Center, our front office staff will greet you and have you complete initial paperwork if you haven’t already done so online. This includes contact information, medical history forms, and consent to be examined.
From there, I personally meet with you. Not a patient coordinator. Not a nurse practitioner. Me. I believe the surgeon should be involved from the very beginning because this relationship is too important to delegate.
We’ll start with a conversation. I want to hear what brings you in today, what’s been bothering you, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. This isn’t a rapid-fire interrogation — it’s a genuine discussion where I listen to understand your perspective before offering mine.
Step 2: Discussing Your Goals and Concerns
Once I understand what brought you in, we dive deeper into your specific goals. Sometimes patients arrive with a clear idea — “I want a tummy tuck” — and sometimes they have a general concern — “I just don’t feel confident in how my body looks since having kids.” Either starting point is fine.
My job is to help you articulate your goals and then explain honestly whether plastic surgery can address them. If what you’re hoping for is realistic, I’ll tell you. If your expectations exceed what surgery can deliver, I’ll tell you that too. Being honest at this stage prevents disappointment later.
I’ll also ask about your motivations. Are you doing this for yourself, or because someone else wants you to? Plastic surgery works best when patients pursue it for their own reasons, with realistic expectations. Patient wellbeing — physical and emotional — always comes first.
Step 3: The Physical Examination
After our discussion, I perform a physical examination of the area you’re considering for surgery. This is done privately and respectfully. I examine your anatomy, skin quality, tissue characteristics, and overall proportions to assess what procedures would work best for your body.
For breast procedures, I take measurements of your chest wall, breast tissue, and nipple position. For body contouring, I evaluate skin elasticity, fat distribution, and muscle tone. For facial procedures, I assess bone structure, skin laxity, and symmetry.
During the examination, I explain what I’m observing and how it relates to your goals. This transparency helps you understand why I’m making specific recommendations.
Step 4: Exploring Your Options
Based on our conversation and my examination, I explain the procedures that could address your concerns. I don’t just name the procedure — I explain what it involves, how it works, and what it can realistically achieve.
If multiple options exist, I present them. For example, if you’re concerned about facial aging, options might range from non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers to surgical procedures like a facelift. I explain the differences in results, longevity, recovery, and cost so you can make an informed choice based on your priorities.
I also explain what each procedure cannot do. Every surgical option has limitations, and I’d rather you understand those upfront than be surprised later. If a tummy tuck won’t address your flanks, or if a breast lift won’t increase your cup size, you need to know that before making a decision.
Step 5: Visualizing Your Results
One of the most valuable tools I use during consultations is Crisalix 3D imaging technology. This allows me to create realistic simulations of potential surgical outcomes based on your actual anatomy. For breast augmentation, you can see what different implant sizes and profiles would look like on your specific body. For body contouring, you can visualize how your shape might change.
I also draw pictures. This might sound old-fashioned, but a simple sketch can communicate surgical concepts more clearly than words alone. When I draw the incision pattern for a breast lift or illustrate how a tummy tuck reshapes the abdomen, patients immediately understand what I’m describing. Visual communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures we’re on the same page.
Before-and-after photographs of previous patients are another important resource. These real results show you what I’ve achieved for patients with similar concerns. I encourage you to look closely at these images — they reveal my aesthetic sensibility and help you determine whether my style aligns with what you’re hoping for.
Step 6: Understanding the Details
Once we’ve discussed procedures and you have a sense of what might be right for you, I walk you through the practical details: recovery timeline, potential risks, anesthesia, and what the surgical experience itself will be like.
Recovery varies by procedure. Some patients return to desk work within a week, while others need several weeks before resuming normal activities. I give you realistic timelines so you can plan accordingly — for time off work, childcare arrangements, or any other logistics you need to consider.
I discuss risks openly. Every surgery carries some degree of risk, and you deserve to understand what those risks are. I explain both common issues (like temporary swelling or bruising) and rare complications, along with how we minimize and manage them. A surgeon who glosses over risks isn’t doing you any favors.
At Kole Plastic Surgery Center, all procedures are performed in our private, PA Department of Health licensed ambulatory surgical center — the only facility of its kind in Bucks County. Operating since 2005, our center provides a controlled, comfortable environment with one-on-one nursing care and board-certified anesthesiologists. Many patients feel more at ease knowing they’ll be in a dedicated surgical facility rather than a hospital.
Step 7: Your Questions Answered
Throughout the consultation, I encourage questions — but I also set aside dedicated time at the end to address anything still on your mind. This is your opportunity to ask about anything we haven’t covered or to revisit topics you want to understand better.
Common questions include: How many times have you performed this procedure? What results can I realistically expect? What will recovery actually feel like day by day? How long will results last? What happens if I’m not happy with the outcome? There are no wrong questions. If it matters to you, it matters to me.
I also discuss cost transparently. You’ll receive a detailed quote that includes surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and post-operative care. I don’t believe in surprise fees or hidden charges. We also discuss financing options through CareCredit, United Medical Credit, and Advanced Care for patients who prefer to spread the cost over time.
What Happens After the Consultation
After your consultation, there’s no pressure to make an immediate decision. Some patients schedule surgery before they leave. Others take time to think, discuss with family, or research further. Both approaches are completely valid.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your procedure for a date that works for you and provide pre-operative instructions covering everything from medications to avoid to how to prepare your home for recovery. I remain available for any questions that come up between your consultation and your surgery date.
If you’re not sure or decide surgery isn’t right for you, that’s okay too. The consultation exists to help you make the best decision for yourself, whatever that may be. Some patients return months or years later when the timing is right. There’s never any judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my plastic surgery consultation? Bring a list of current medications and supplements, your medical history including past surgeries, any reference photos of results you admire, and a list of questions you want answered. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area you want to discuss. If considering a breast procedure, a button-down top is helpful.
How long does a plastic surgery consultation take? Plan for your consultation to last 45 minutes to over an hour. Dr. Kole takes as much time as needed to listen to your concerns, examine your anatomy, explain your options, and answer all your questions thoroughly. Consultations are never rushed.
Does Dr. Kole charge for consultations? No. Dr. Kole offers free, no-obligation consultations for all cosmetic procedures. You can meet with him, discuss your goals, receive personalized recommendations, and get all your questions answered at no cost. Call (215) 315-7655 to schedule.
Will I meet with the actual surgeon during my consultation? Yes. Dr. Kole personally conducts every consultation — there are no patient coordinators or sales staff involved. You meet directly with the double board-certified plastic surgeon who will perform your procedure, ensuring continuity of care from your first conversation through your final follow-up.
What questions should I ask during my consultation? Key questions include: Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? How many times have you performed this procedure? What results can I realistically expect? What are the risks? What will recovery involve? Where will my surgery be performed? Dr. Kole welcomes all questions and answers them thoroughly.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for plastic surgery? Good candidates are generally in good health, at a stable weight, non-smokers (or willing to quit before surgery), and have realistic expectations about outcomes. During your consultation, Dr. Kole evaluates your health history, examines your anatomy, and discusses your goals to determine candidacy for specific procedures.
What if I’m not sure which procedure I need? That’s exactly what the consultation is for. Many patients arrive uncertain about which procedure would address their concerns. Dr. Kole examines your anatomy, listens to your goals, and explains all relevant options so you can make an informed decision. You don’t need to know what you need before your consultation.
Will I see what my results might look like before surgery? Yes. Dr. Kole uses Crisalix 3D imaging technology to create realistic simulations of potential outcomes based on your actual anatomy. He also uses drawings and before-and-after photographs of previous patients to help you visualize what different procedures could achieve.
Is there any pressure to schedule surgery during the consultation? Absolutely not. The consultation is about providing you with information so you can make the best decision for yourself. Some patients schedule surgery immediately, while others take weeks or months to decide. There is never any pressure, and many patients return when the timing feels right for them.
What happens if I decide plastic surgery isn’t right for me? That’s a completely valid outcome. The consultation exists to help you make an informed decision, whatever that may be. If you decide not to pursue surgery — or to wait — there’s no judgment. Some patients return months or years later when circumstances change. The decision is always yours.
Summary
The plastic surgery consultation is the most important step in your surgical journey. It’s where you and your surgeon build the foundation for a successful outcome. Here’s what to remember:
- Preparation helps: bring your medical history, questions, and a clear sense of your goals
- The consultation includes a discussion of your concerns, a physical examination, and a review of your options
- Visual tools like 3D imaging, drawings, and before-and-after photos help you understand potential results
- Risks, recovery, costs, and logistics are discussed transparently
- There’s no pressure to decide immediately — take the time you need
As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, I’ve conducted thousands of consultations. I know that walking into a plastic surgeon’s office for the first time takes courage. My goal is to make sure you leave feeling informed, respected, and confident — whether you decide to move forward with surgery or not.
Contact Kole Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Call (215) 315-7655 or visit us at 1122 Street Road, Suite 100, Southampton, PA 18966. We serve patients throughout Bucks County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Newtown, Langhorne, Doylestown, and surrounding communities.
About the Author
Dr. Edward S. Kole, DO is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Kole Plastic Surgery Center in Southampton, PA. After graduating with honors from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kole completed five years of General Surgery training followed by a second residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is board-certified in both General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery. Dr. Kole has been in private practice since 1998 and operates the area’s only private PA Department of Health licensed ambulatory surgical center. Named Bucks County’s Best 2025 and featured in Marie Claire Magazine, Dr. Kole is the author of “Cosmetic Surgery: The Risks & The Rewards” and believes that informed patients make the best decisions.
