Free Cosmetic Surgery Consultations

PROMISES

A complimentary consultation promises to provide the prospective cosmetic surgery patient with a thorough evaluation, specific recommendations for surgery and information about the procedure, the surgeon and the surgical facility. All this information can be obtained with no financial investment.

 
PITFALLS

Information provided under these circumstances may prove to be of more marketing than of practical value.

In order to make the "free consultation" cost effective, most practices use an assistant to conduct the major part of the consultation. The surgeon's involvement in the initial visit is usually somewhat limited.

"Free Consultations" are suited to the high volume surgical practices. The patient-consumer should be aware of the fact that limited involvement of the surgeon before surgery may reflect similar care following the procedure.

Pressure to schedule an appointment for surgery often follows the "free consultation."

"Free consultations" encourage patients to be shoppers, visiting many offices, view videos and photo albums, collecting brochures, etc. This may be positive, if real information is presented. However, it can also be very confusing, especially differentiating information from marketing hype.