Consultation

The consultation is where every successful surgical journey begins. It is your opportunity to describe your goals in your own words, ask the questions that matter to you, and get a genuine sense of the team you may be trusting with your care. For Dr. Wells and our staff, it is equally important — a chance to understand your motivations, evaluate your health, and recommend a plan that is safe and realistic for you.

Why the Consultation Comes First

No two patients arrive with the same anatomy, medical history, or expectations, which is why we never approach surgery as a one-size-fits-all service. During the consultation, Dr. Wells takes the time to listen before advising. Some patients come in convinced they need one procedure, only to learn that a different or less invasive option would serve them better. Others discover that their goals are entirely achievable, but that timing — perhaps because of health, healing capacity, or life circumstances — should be adjusted. This honest exchange protects your safety and helps ensure that the outcome you envision and the outcome you receive are aligned.

How to Prepare Before You Arrive

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your appointment productive. Before your visit, we suggest gathering the following:

  • A complete list of current medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, since some can affect healing or interact with anesthesia
  • Your relevant medical history, including previous surgeries, chronic conditions, and any prior reactions to anesthesia
  • Notes about your goals — what specifically bothers you, what you hope to change, and what prompted you to consider surgery now
  • A written list of questions, so nothing important slips your mind in the moment
  • Insurance information, if your visit relates to a reconstructive or medically necessary procedure that may involve coverage

What Happens During the Appointment

The Medical Evaluation

Every consultation begins with a careful review of your health. Dr. Wells will discuss your medical history, perform an appropriate examination, and consider any factors — such as smoking, weight changes, or ongoing medical treatment — that could influence your candidacy or your recovery. This step is not a formality; it is the foundation of a safe surgical plan.

An Honest Discussion of Options and Outcomes

Once Dr. Wells understands your goals and your health, he will walk you through the available options, which may include surgical and non-surgical approaches. You will hear a candid explanation of what each involves, the results you can reasonably expect, the associated risks, and what recovery typically looks like. Expect candor rather than a sales pitch. If a procedure is not right for you, we will say so — and explain why.

Questions Worth Asking

Patients sometimes worry that their questions might seem trivial or naive. They never are. The consultation exists precisely so you can ask them. Consider bringing questions such as:

  1. Am I a good candidate for this procedure, and what makes me one?
  2. What results can I realistically expect, and how will aging affect them over time?
  3. What are the most common risks, and how are complications handled if they occur?
  4. What does recovery actually involve — time off work, activity restrictions, follow-up visits?
  5. Are there alternative procedures or treatments I should consider first?

Writing these down ahead of time helps ensure the conversation covers everything on your mind.

After the Appointment: Take Your Time

A thoughtful decision deserves breathing room. You should never feel pressured to schedule surgery on the same day as your consultation, and at our practice, you will not be. Take time to reflect, discuss the plan with people you trust, and revisit the information Dr. Wells provided. If new questions arise a week later, call us — we welcome follow-up conversations, and a second consultation can always be arranged. The best outcomes begin with patients who feel informed, unhurried, and confident in their choice, and helping you reach that point is exactly what this first visit is for.

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