Should you bring your significant other with you to your consultation?
Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a deeply personal and exciting step toward enhancing your appearance and confidence. Therefore, whether you choose to have a loved one accompany you during your consultation is entirely up to you, as their presence during this initial meeting can impact your experience.
Here, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of having someone special by your side as you take this first step.
The benefits of having a loved one present
Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a family member, inviting a plus-one to your consultation can be helpful in several ways:
Remembering important talking points: The amount of information presented during a consultation can be overwhelming, so having someone who knows you and your desires well can serve as a second set of ears to help you remember critical details and questions you may forget in the moment.
Preparing for a smooth recovery: Your significant other, especially if they will be taking care of you after your procedure, can gain valuable insights during the consultation, including what to expect and how to best support you during recovery.
Making confident decisions: Feedback from someone who knows you well can be invaluable, especially when considering procedures like breast augmentation. A trusted confidant’s perspective can reinforce your confidence in your decisions about factors like breast implant size, shape, and position.
Easing anxiety: The decision to undergo plastic surgery is as much about emotional preparedness as it is about physical transformation, so having emotional support during your consultation can help you feel more at ease when communicating your concerns and expectations.
Addressing hesitations or concerns: Being a part of the consultation allows your significant other to voice any concerns they may have about the process and feel more secure in supporting your decision.
Bring someone with your best interests at heart who will positively contribute to the experience and help you feel confident in your decision.
Potential drawbacks of including your partner
Although most patients prefer to bring someone with them to their consultation, having a third party in the room can potentially be counterproductive:
Privacy concerns: If the presence of a loved one might prevent you from discussing sensitive topics freely, it might be better to attend the consultation alone—open and honest communication is essential for your surgeon to understand your expectations and tailor the surgery plan to align with your goals.
Unwanted opinions: Your decision to undergo a plastic surgery procedure should be rooted in your preferences, not to please others. So, while input from a partner can be helpful, it mustn’t overshadow your desires.
Distractions: A plastic surgery consultation is comprehensive and designed to focus on you and your needs; if your significant other tends to dominate conversations, which might rush the consultation, it’s better to go solo.
Too much feedback can be overwhelming and cause unnecessary anxiety about your procedure.
About board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos
Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is a female plastic surgeon Richmond patients seek out for safe, transformative cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutanos, please call 804-355-3410 or contact her online. Dr. Aboutanos aims to provide compassionate care and support for her patients from the consultation to final results.