Plastic surgery has been accessible for years and is no longer a privilege of the few. The total cost of a procedure includes several components: 1) hospital fees, 2) the medical team, and 3) implants (if necessary).
In other words, the surgeon’s fee is just one part of the overall expense, which also covers other professionals involved in your procedure.
When comparing prices, always ask for the total cost of the surgery and check the payment plan options available at each clinic.
At our plastic surgery clinic, we pride ourselves on offering an excellent cost-benefit ratio. How do I know this? Many patients come to me after consulting with two or three other clinics and ultimately choose to undergo surgery with me and my team.
What to Ask During Your Initial Plastic Surgery Consultation
Call several clinics and take note of their answers to these five essential questions. These will help you decide where to schedule your first consultation:
- How long has the plastic surgeon been practicing?
- Is the surgeon certified by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
- Will the surgery be performed at a hospital or the clinic itself? (Hospitals are much safer.)
- What payment plans are available?
- Are there online reviews or testimonials about the doctor’s work?
These questions will provide valuable insights. During the consultation itself, you’ll have even more questions to ask, as outlined below.
How to Find a Reliable Plastic Surgeon
Step 1: Check if your plastic surgeon is a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. You can do this easily on their website: www.cirurgiaplastica.org.br.
Step 2: Look for genuine testimonials on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This is particularly helpful if you don’t have a direct referral.
Step 3: The most critical step is attending the consultation. You can call multiple clinics and read numerous reviews, but nothing compares to meeting the surgeon, asking questions, and assessing their expertise in person.
Step 4: During the consultation, be clear about your expectations and listen attentively to the doctor’s responses. Ask questions about the surgeon’s education, certifications, and experience with the specific procedure you’re considering.
Request to see before-and-after photos of patients with cases similar to yours to get an idea of potential results.
Step 5: Don’t make hasty decisions at the end of the consultation. Avoid committing to the surgery immediately. Take your time to think it through and inform the clinic later. After all, this is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.
How to Make the Most of Your First Consultation and What to Evaluate
On the day of your consultation, arrive early at the clinic and observe:
- The professionalism of the staff.
- The demeanor of other patients entering or leaving the clinic.
- If possible, speak with individuals in the waiting room who have already undergone surgery.
During the consultation, inquire about specific resources like videos or reading materials related to your chosen procedure.
Also, ask about postoperative care:
- Who will handle your dressings and follow-ups?
- Will these follow-up appointments incur additional charges?
- What channels are available for postoperative questions? (e.g., printed instructions, clinic phone numbers).
It’s also essential to know:
- On which days can you schedule postoperative consultations?
- Will WhatsApp or other direct communication methods be available for questions, or are follow-ups limited to in-person visits?
At the end of the consultation, ensure that all necessary tests are requested for a safer surgery. Common tests include bloodwork, coagulation tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms, but these may vary depending on your age, health conditions, and the type of surgery.
The Importance of a Skilled Medical Team: Who Will Be Involved in My Care?
You’re not just choosing a surgeon—you’re selecting an entire team, including the anesthesiologist, the surgeon’s assistant, and the surgical instrument specialist.
Checklist for Your Anesthesiologist:
- Ask for their name and medical license (CRM).
- Verify their experience with plastic surgery anesthesia.
- Inquire about their years of practice and how long they’ve worked with the surgeon.
- Ask about the type of anesthesia they typically use for your procedure.
- Confirm if you’ll meet them before the surgery and if they’ll check on you after the procedure.
Similarly, ask about the training and experience of other team members, such as the assistant surgeon and the instrument technician. It’s essential to feel confident about everyone involved in your care.
At Dr. Alexandre Charão’s clinic, the anesthesiologist is Dr. Cristiane Leal (CRM 52.81271-4), who specializes exclusively in plastic surgery and has years of experience at the renowned Ivo Pitanguy Institute. The assistant surgeon, Dr. Esther Barrios (CRM 52.82490-9), is also highly qualified and teaches at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute of Plastic Surgery.
What Makes an Ideal Hospital for Plastic Surgery?
Since plastic surgery is elective, I recommend choosing a calm, small hospital with nurses trained specifically for plastic surgery. Their expertise in handling dressings and compression garments ensures optimal care.
Smaller hospitals also reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections. With fewer people in the hallways and separate materials for each patient, your safety increases.
However, the hospital must meet certain standards. Since 2006, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) requires hospitals to have an ICU-equipped room. Dr. Alexandre Charão’s affiliated hospitals comply with these regulations, and institutions failing to meet these standards are routinely shut down.
The hospital’s location is less important than its quality. Even if it’s far from home, you’ll only make one trip there and back. Prioritize quality over proximity.
Postoperative Care: The Secret to a Smooth Recovery
Effective postoperative care is crucial for reducing swelling, promoting healing, and ensuring optimal results.
Key questions to ask about postoperative care:
- When does the postoperative period officially begin?
- Will the doctor personally handle my follow-up care?
- Are follow-up appointments included in the total cost?
- Do I need lymphatic drainage sessions?
- How many hours per day should I wear the compression garment, and for how long?
- Does the doctor recommend a specific postoperative care professional?
At our clinic, we offer an integrated postoperative care facility, including aestheticians and physiotherapists, supervised by Dr. Alexandre Charão. Available Monday through Saturday, our team ensures that your recovery is both safe and convenient.
As a professor of postgraduate studies in postoperative care, Dr. Charão brings years of expertise to your recovery process, offering a holistic approach that prioritizes your well-being.
Dr. Alexandre Charão sees patients in Rio de Janeiro and Petrópolis. For more information, feel free to get in touch.
