A consultation is the essential first step in your desire to refine, restore or enhance your appearance, whether surgically or through non-surgical treatments. It is mutually beneficial for you and Dr. Sergio Alvarez to meet, discuss your goals, and to ask questions. At this point he can individually recommend treatment options and you can understand resulting outcomes.
Dr. Sergio Alvarez offers complimentary consultations for cosmetic patients.
Actually the titles “cosmetic surgeon” and “plastic surgeon” are not interchangeable. Any physician, including a dermatologist or ob-gyn, who makes surgical improvements to his or her patients’ appearance is a cosmetic surgeon. But a plastic surgeon is a physician who has completed a residency to gain education and training specifically in plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons may choose to call themselves cosmetic surgeons, but the reverse is not true; cosmetic surgeons should not call themselves plastic surgeons.
Take your time; although it’s elective surgery, it’s still surgery, and typically not something in which you need or should rush into. Do your research with regards to the specific plastic surgery procedure you’re interested in. Once you know both what you hope to achieve and how you hope to achieve it, schedule consultations with several plastic surgeons.
At your consultation, you will not only have the opportunity to learn more about a specific procedure or treatment, but to ask questions of the plastic surgeon. For instance:
- How long have they performed plastic surgery, specifically the procedure you’re interested in?
- Do they have a recovery room nurse who is there solely to monitor you in the recovery room?
- Can you see a photo of the recovery room and of the operating room?
Dr. Alvarez recommends that you see several different plastic surgeons, as it will help you to not only better understand why you’re seeking plastic surgery, but you’ll come to discover exactly what it is you’re looking for in a plastic surgeon. Patients tell Dr. Sergio Alvarez they’re looking for integrity, caring, compassion and perfectionism. What are you looking for? Ask questions and don’t stop until you have your answers.
No. You may schedule surgery at any time that is appropriate for you, whether at the time of your consultation or at any appropriate time in the future. Surgeon fees presented at your consultation are valid for 6 months from the date of your consultation. Surgery center, anesthesia or recovery fees may change.
You may contact our office at any time after your consultation with questions. If necessary we can schedule a second consultation.
You may choose to bring a family member or friend to support you during your consultation. However, the decision to undergo treatment is one that must be self-directed, no one should pressure you or make your decision for you.
What is the cost of a consultation?
Dr. Sergio Alvarez offers complimentary consultations for cosmetic patients.
Do you accept insurance?
Dr. Sergio Alvarez participates with many insurance plans. However, cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by insurance providers. Reconstructive surgery, such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, is generally covered by insurance companies.
