What the Consultation Is For
A cosmetic surgery consultation is a private discussion of your goals, health history, and options, along with an assessment of whether a procedure may be appropriate. It is also a chance to understand potential risks, realistic outcomes, and recovery, and to decide whether the surgeon’s communication and approach feel right for you. The visit does not obligate you to schedule surgery.
At Madison Plastic Surgery, Dr. Robert M. Tornambe is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has practiced aesthetic surgery in New York City since 1988. He personally sees each patient from consultation through recovery, so the initial conversation can establish an ongoing relationship with the surgeon who will guide care.
How to Prepare for the Visit
A little preparation can help you use the consultation to discuss your goals, questions, and health clearly. Before the appointment, note what you hope to change and write down questions about treatment options, risks, recovery, and alternatives. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance also encourages patients to discuss their expectations and ask about realistic outcomes.
Prepare an accurate medical history, including prior procedures, health conditions, allergies, nicotine use, and relevant family history. Bring a complete list of medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements, along with relevant medical records. Be candid about your health and past treatments, since this information helps inform the discussion.
Reference photos can help convey the look you have in mind, but they are conversation aids, not promises of identical results. What may be achievable depends on your anatomy and individual circumstances. For additional question ideas, see questions to ask before your plastic surgery procedure.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for an examination, and consider bringing a trusted companion to listen or help take notes. A notebook or device can help you record recommendations and follow-up questions. Before the visit, check with the office about paperwork or anything else you should bring.
Goals, Examination, and Candidacy
A consultation connects what you hope to change with what your health and anatomy may make appropriate. The discussion should leave room for your priorities, the surgeon’s examination, and an honest review of options and limitations.
The surgeon will typically ask what you would like to change, why you are considering treatment, and what outcome you have in mind. Mention functional concerns as well as appearance, and be candid about what matters most to you. Open discussion of goals and expectations helps determine whether surgery may be appropriate, as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends.
An examination may assess skin quality and elasticity, underlying anatomy, symmetry, proportions, scars, and tissue characteristics. These findings help the surgeon consider suitable techniques and identify factors that could affect results or recovery. At Madison Plastic Surgery, Dr. Robert M. Tornambe, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and practicing aesthetic surgery in New York City since 1988, personally sees each patient from consultation through recovery.
The recommendation should explain which approach may fit your anatomy and goals, why it is being considered, what results may be realistic, and what risks and limitations apply. Depending on the concern, the discussion may include surgical and non-surgical alternatives. Dr. Tornambe’s less-is-more philosophy centers on tailoring a plan to the individual rather than applying a fixed template; no procedure is risk-free, and results vary.
You do not have to decide during the visit. Take time to review the information, note any unanswered questions, and consider whether the proposed plan feels appropriate. Book a private consultation with Dr. Tornambe at 815 Park Avenue or call (212) 628-7600 when you are ready to discuss your options.
Credentials and Safety Questions
A useful safety discussion covers the surgeon’s training and experience, the surgical setting, and how the team would respond if a concern arose. Ask directly, then consider whether the answers are clear, specific, and relevant to your situation.
Confirm that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ask about experience with the procedure you are considering. You can also ask whether the surgeon has hospital privileges for that procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ patient-safety questions include questions about credentials, hospital privileges, facility accreditation, risks, and complication management.
Before-and-after photographs can help you discuss the surgeon’s experience and aesthetic approach. Ask to see cases with characteristics or goals similar to yours, and discuss what you notice. Photographs show another person’s outcome, not a promise of what your result will be; results vary, and surgery carries risks.
Ask where surgery would take place, whether the facility is accredited, who provides anesthesia and care, and what emergency arrangements are in place. At Madison Plastic Surgery, procedures are performed in the practice’s AAAASF-accredited in-office operating room, and Dr. Robert M. Tornambe holds privileges at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. These details are useful starting points for a direct conversation about the setting and safety protocols, not a guarantee that complications cannot occur.
Dr. Tornambe, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, personally sees patients from consultation through recovery. Ask how follow-up works and whom to contact with a concern after surgery. A consultation should leave you with a clear understanding of the plan, its limitations, and the care available throughout recovery.
Recovery, Fees, and Scheduling
Recovery planning should cover the expected timeline, activity limits, and the support available if a concern arises. Ask when you may return to work and exercise, how pain will be managed, when follow-up visits will take place, which warning signs need attention, and how to contact the practice. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ patient safety guidance recommends discussing recovery needs and how possible complications would be handled.
Request a clear estimate and confirm what it includes. Depending on the plan, charges may cover the surgeon, anesthesia, facility, implants or other products, tests, garments, prescriptions, and follow-up care. Consultation fees and appointment formats vary, so ask the office about its fee, what the appointment covers, and any payment or cancellation policies when booking. Do not assume another practice’s policies or fees apply to Madison Plastic Surgery.
There is no universal waiting period between consultation and surgery. Timing depends on the procedure, scheduling availability, and any medical review or preparation needed. Take time to understand the recommendation, risks, recovery, and alternatives rather than making a decision under pressure. Dr. Robert M. Tornambe, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and practicing aesthetic surgery in New York City since 1988, personally sees patients from consultation through recovery.
For individualized recovery planning, see guidance on recovery after a mommy makeover. To discuss your circumstances, Book a private consultation with Dr. Tornambe at 815 Park Avenue, or call (212) 628-7600.
Taking Time to Choose
You do not have to choose a surgeon or schedule surgery at the first consultation. Reviewing your notes, comparing recommendations, and allowing time for questions can help you decide whether the proposed plan and the surgeon’s approach feel right.
If you are uncertain, speaking with more than one board-certified plastic surgeon may help you understand how recommendations differ. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance encourages patients to discuss goals, risks, credentials, and realistic outcomes. At Madison Plastic Surgery, Dr. Robert M. Tornambe is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and personally sees patients from consultation through recovery.
Pay attention to how questions are handled. Pressure to decide quickly, dismissive answers, promises of perfect results, unclear fees, or evasive responses about credentials and safety are reasons to pause and seek clarification. A sound consultation should leave you with a clear understanding of options and limitations, not a sense of obligation.
After reviewing your notes, you can request clarification or another discussion before deciding. If you are ready to explore your options further, book a private consultation with Dr. Tornambe at 815 Park Avenue or call (212) 628-7600.
Common Questions
Can multiple procedures be discussed during one consultation? Yes. You can ask whether procedures may be performed together or should be staged; the recommendation depends on your circumstances and the surgeon’s assessment.
Can a virtual consultation replace an in-person assessment? A virtual visit may help with an initial discussion, especially when travel is difficult. An in-person visit is important when examination, precise planning, or seeing the team and facility is needed.
What should I ask if I am concerned about a result? Ask how postoperative concerns are handled and what the practice’s revision policy involves, including potential timing and costs. No surgeon can promise perfection, and options depend on the individual situation.
A Clearer Basis for Deciding
A useful consultation gives you time to explain your goals, understand the options and risks, and decide whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon and proposed plan. You can take the information home and consider it before making a decision.
Book a private consultation with Dr. Tornambe at 815 Park Avenue, or call (212) 628-7600.
