Virtual consultations

The world is changing and virtual consultations are now offering new patients an opportunity to speak with their chosen consultant. With the provision of allowing enough time on the day of surgery to make a complete assessment and discuss any concerns; virtual consultations are the only option that should be offered currently to help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Advice to consultants providing virtual consultations

Send an inquiry form asking:

• Have I been recommended to you by a previous patient?
• What procedure are you interested in?
• How did you find out about this procedure?
• When did you first consider having this procedure?
• Would you prefer to have your surgery performed under a general anesthetic or local anesthetic with twilight (IV) sedation?
• Would you prefer to have your procedure performed in a hospital?
• Would you prefer to stay in the hospital overnight?
• What outcome are you seeking?
• Do you have any specific questions?
• Do you have any concerns about the procedure?

Benefits of sending the inquiry form

Shows that you care about your patient and their reasons and objectives for wanting surgery

It enables you to address questions and concerns to make the virtual consultation run more smoothly.

Help to ensure you only arrange virtual consultations with potential patients and limits time wasted with curious individuals who are unlikely to ever proceed with a surgical procedure.  

Advice to consultants about information to provide following a virtual consultation

• How to get back in contact and if it is possible to speak on the phone and arrange additional virtual consultations without charge
• Information about surgical methods and why you are recommending them
• Information about the facility where my procedure will be performed
• Confirmation of style and manufacturer of implants that have been recommended
• Risks and complications
• Confirmation of provision for critical care if required after the procedure
• Confirmation of time limits and any additional charges regarding aftercare

Advice for consultants concerned about patients with mental health issues

Virtual consultations may make it more difficult to detect mental health issues that could be influencing an individual’s decision to have plastic surgery. Opinions are also divided as to whether procedures should be performed on individuals struggling with symptoms of mental health disorders, in particular body dysmorphia. From a personal viewpoint, I will be forever grateful that my consultant Douglas McGeorge was willing to spend hours talking to me on the phone when I believe I was struggling with body dysmorphia. I am sure if he had refused to proceed, I would have found another surgeon who was willing to agree to perform the procedure I wanted and I would be deeply regretting this now. I urge any consultant to try to help their patients to make the right decisions. Please only to refuse surgery if you feel you do not have the time to provide enough guidance and to proceed could potentially cause more harm.