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Some prospective patients will attend a heavily-advertised "public service informational seminar" with the intent of learning more about a particular procedure or meeting a particular cosmetic surgeon. Be aware that most of these events are thinly-disguised marketing strategies designed to generate "leads" for the sponsoring surgeon. For the investment of time you will make in attending such a "show," it is unlikely you will get a just return (although you may indeed get a few cookies and a cheap glass of wine).
Many cosmetic surgeons offer either free or low cost individual consultations. Before scheduling, though, be sure that your appointment will be face-to-face with the doctor and not just one of the staff. In general, we've found that "free" fifteen minute appointments are not sufficiently comprehensive for either the patient or the doctor. The payment of a fee, even when small, shows that you are genuinely interested, and thus the doctor is likely to spend more time and energy listening seriously to your concerns, thinking about your diagnosis, and answering questions.
The examination for possible cosmetic eyelid surgery does not require a multitude of technical tests by the doctor or the staff. Expect to fill out a health history and be questioned about medicines, allergies, and so on. Expect your vision to be measured and your eyelids to be photographed (although this is often not done until just prior to your operation). An experienced eyelid surgeon with a trained eye should be able to diagnose your problem with little more than thirty seconds of looking and tugging at your eyelids.
What you want most out of your consultation is . . . |
