Plastic Surgery Journey - Why Telehealth is an Important Step

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic was also the beginning of the decision to use telemedicine services for patients of all ages. Since there were concerns about any number of people being in the same room for an extended period of time during the height of COVID-19, telemedicine was used for anything from patient consultations to follow-up appointments. It looks like video conferences are here to stay in the medical world. Let’s examine why telehealth is still a popular option for plastic surgery patients of all ages.

Telehealth - How it Benefits Plastic Surgery Patients and Doctors

Both patients and surgeons feel that telecommunication for medical appointments is a convenient option that is still an effective way to address the needs of patients. For example, people in rural areas often have less access to healthcare options which means telehealth gives them greater access to board-certified plastic surgeons across the country. In other words, they are not restricted to doctors in their hometown or rural area. They can interact with doctors in larger cities which gives them a greater number of options for procedures they have in mind such as breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift (BBL).

The increased amount of access to plastic surgeons also means patients can perform research on plastic surgeons who specialize in their desired procedure and can pick and choose the people they want to meet with as opposed to only being able to visit a doctor in the area in which they live.

Telehealth – How it Helps Plastic Surgery Patient Comfort Levels

The telehealth process also helps patients meet doctors face to face instead of simply chatting with them on a phone. The person has a greater opportunity to view how the medical professional interacts with a patient and if they are open and ready to answer any questions. Since the person has the chance to see the body language of the doctor, they can decide if they are ready to enter into a doctor/patient relationship with the surgeon. The person is able to form a first impression of the doctor and determine how comfortable they are when it comes to working with the medical professional.

A telemedicine appointment usually happens when the patient is at home and comfortable in their surroundings. They will feel more at ease talking to the doctor because they are not in an unfamiliar medical office where they might be more nervous about asking questions. The comfort level of the patient will allow them to engage with the doctor in a more meaningful way.

Telehealth – How it Leads to Plastic Surgery Travel

Patients who utilize telehealth to consult with doctors also often travel for their procedure. Patients in rural areas often have a limited choice when it comes to plastic surgeons located near them. The desire to connect with a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and experienced in a procedure might mean they need to travel away from home for the medical treatment they desire.

Telehealth – Consultation Appointment Information

Before the initial virtual telehealth conference, the doctor and the patient need to exchange information so both parties will be prepared for the appointment. The patient will need to fill out a questionnaire which means sharing personal information about where they live, their medical history, and the type of plastic surgery procedure they are interested in undergoing in the future. The patient will also need to send photos of the area they want to enhance or alter so the surgeon can get a good idea of the current condition of the area in question. Depending on the office policy of the individual doctor, there might be a consultation fee that needs to be paid before the appointment. The surgeon will also view the photos submitted by the patient so they can form a treatment plan that they will share with the person during the appointment.

Telehealth – Do the Pictures Tell Enough of a Story?

There are some patients who are curious whether or not the photos they submit to the medical office provide enough information and insights for the plastic surgeon to create an accurate game plan. The pictures are able to give the doctor an informed starting point and a better understanding of what the patient needs when it comes to their requested treatment.

In addition, the doctor will meet with the patient in-person if they decide to visit the office for a treatment. The doctor will examine the patient to see if there are any differences in the way the patient looks during the appointment and the look of their body in the photos. If there are any differences that need to be taken into account, the doctor will make any adjustments in the office as needed.

Once the procedure has been performed, the doctor will usually request that the patient stay in town long enough to have a follow-up appointment in the medical office. Any additional follow-up appointments will likely be conducted virtually using the telehealth platform.

- MA