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The Consultation
Your plastic surgical consultation is an integral step in the process leading up to surgery. Whilst most patients focus on the operation itself, the most important part of the entire process is actually the pre-operative consultation period.
In addition to assessing your medical, physical and psychological suitability for plastic surgery, Dr Masters needs to decide if he is the correct surgeon for you and develop a very clear and accurate picture of exactly what you are aiming to achieve. Furthermore, the consultation gives you an important opportunity to ensure that Dr Masters is the right plastic surgeon for you. It is vital that you feel you are able to openly and fully discuss your concerns and aspirations with him.
Achieving high-quality, natural appearing plastic surgical results requires a highly personalised and individualised approach to each and every patient. The information on this website aims to educate and inform in an open, honest and balanced manner, but remains a general overview; more specific and individualised information requires a face to face consultation.
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How do I schedule a consultation?
Please call Dr Masters' Office Coordinator on (04) 499 4779 or (0800) 499 4779 to schedule a consultation. Back to Top |
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I do not live in Wellington, do I really need to have a consultation?
Yes, the consultation is an indispensable part of the process of having cosmetic plastic surgery. Plastic Surgical Masters sees a large number of patients from all over New Zealand. Please contact our Office Coordinator and she will provide you with a couple of appointment options so that you can try to match the best airfares,etc. Back to Top |
| How long does a consultation take? Consultations generally take from 30 to 45 minutes. Back to Top |
| Who will my consultation be with?
Dr Masters performs all consultations himself. His practice nurse will also be present during any physical examination. Back to Top |
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What happens at the consultation?
Dr Masters’ office coordinator will welcome you and insure your registration and medical history paperwork has been completed. A practice nurse will take you to your examination room to record your height and weight. She will also take photographs of patients presenting for facial cosmetic plastic surgery so that a printout of the photographs can be used during your consultation.
Dr Masters will assess your medical history and examine your area(s) of concern (Dr Masters requires his nurse to be present during all examinations that require disrobing). This will be followed by a thorough discussion of the procedure options most appropriate for your particular circumstances and give you the opportunity to have all of your questions answered.
Following your consultation Dr Masters will write you a letter summarising your consultation and his recommendations. If surgery is recommended the letter will also include a comprehensive quote.
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| Is a second consultation required? Second consultations are not always required but are recommended, particularly for complex and/or extensive procedures.
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| How soon after my consultation can I have surgery? The New Zealand medical Council requires a minimum of a one-week gap between the initial consultation and the performance of invasive cosmetic plastic surgery. Most patients schedule surgery six to eight weeks in advance to allow themselves adequate preparation time and to coordinate with their personal/working life schedule.
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| Where will my consultation be? All consultations are held at the Plastic Surgical Masters rooms on Thorndon Quay in Wellington. Full driving instructions can be found on the ‘Contact Us’ page and will also be included in your appointment confirmation letter.
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| What days does Dr Masters consult on? Dr Masters new patient consulting schedule varies from month-to-month, our Office Coordinator will be able to assist you in scheduling your consultation. Consultations are always held during normal working hours Monday to Friday.
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| How do I get ready for my consultation? After scheduling your consultation our office will send you an appointment pack confirming your appointment. It will also include driving instructions, some information about Dr Masters and may also include articles regarding the surgical procedure you have expressed an interest in.
Your medical history and patient registration forms will also be included in the appointment pack and these should be completed before coming to your appointment.
Patients who are interested in facial rejuvenation surgery will be requested to bring photographs of their face spanning the duration of their adult life.
Write down any questions you have, they will almost certainly all be answered during the discussion of your case and proposed procedure, but if not, Dr Masters will answer them for you.
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| What if I need to reschedule my consultation? When you become aware that you will not be able to attend your scheduled consultation, please contact us as soon as possible. It is our practice policy that patients who fail to attend their scheduled consultation, or do not notify us 24 hours in advance that they can't keep their appointment will not be offered a further consultation time.
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| Can I bring my spouse or partner with me? Dr Masters encourages you to bring your spouse, partner or a friend to the consultation if you wish to.
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| How much does a consultation cost?
Standard plastic surgical consultations (including Hand Surgery and skin cancer consultations) cost $150. Complex, facial and/or extended consultations cost $180.
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