Even though most cosmetic surgery patients are pleased with the results of their surgery, the decision to have the procedure can be difficult. If you're thinking about cosmetic surgery, you may be asking yourself some hard questions, such as:

• Am I being vain?
• Is this how I want to use my financial resources?
• Does plastic surgery fit with my life's priorities?

Questions are normal, and it's important to answer them honestly. In the end, you want to be comfortable with your decision. Parungao Plastic Surgery has developed a self-assessment questionnaire to help you think through your decision. As you answer these questions, remember: there are no right or wrong answers. The more honest you are, the more insight you'll have. Many find it helpful to write out their answers.

Ask yourself:

• What do I dislike about my appearance?
• When does this feature bother me the most? Are there times when it bothers me more or less?
• Do my feelings about my appearance keep me from doing certain activities?
• Do I ever “camouflage” or hide the feature form others?
• Why is now the right time for surgery, rather than a month or a year ago, or, conversely, a month or a year from now?
• What are three realistic expectations I have of successful surgery? What impact do I expect surgery will have on my life? Can I imagine any possible disadvantages to successful surgery?
• Do I expect the key people in my life will respond differently to me after the surgery? How about strangers or acquaintances?
• When I talk about surgery, have people's reactions surprised me?
• Have I seen any indications that others see me differently than I see myself?
• How would I describe those differences?

Once you've worked though the questions, you may want to talk about them with a trusted friend or family member and certainly with Dr. Parungao. After all, you and Dr. Parungao will make the final decision about your cosmetic surgery. Realistic expectations will better prepare you for surgery, and prepared patients make the best recovery.

Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

Your initial one-on-one consultation with Dr. Allan Parungao is an essential part of your decision to have cosmetic surgery. During the consultation, you and Dr. Parungao will get to know one another and discuss the changes that you want to make. Your consultation should help reassure you that you're getting the procedure that's right for you.

Be as prepared as possible for this first meeting. Write down any questions you may have for Dr. Parungao to be sure that you get the information you want. Expect this first visit to take time. Dr. Parungao will review your medical history, take photographs, and talk about the specific changes that you want. It's important that you and Dr. Parungao establish a good rapport during your first meeting. If Dr. Parungao has a clear picture of the results that you want, you've begun with open and straightforward communications. In return, expect Dr. Parungao to be honest with you about what surgery can and cannot do for you. If your expectations are unrealistic, Dr. Parungao will explain why.

There will be a $125 fee for your cosmetic consultation. This amount will be applied toward the surgical fee, if you decide to have the procedure. After the consultation, you will have a clear understanding of the overall costs of your surgery. In addition to the physician's fee, there are separate charger for the operating facilities and anesthesia. Do not count o your insurance to cover surgical and other cosmetic surgery fees. If a part of the procedure is medically necessary, it may be covered, but the cosmetic portion won't be.

While you may not leave the office with a final decision, you should have a clearer idea about what's realistic for you. As you evaluate your choices, ask yourself:

• Were all of my questions answered?
• Do I feel confident about Dr. Parungao's abilities?
• Am I ready to go ahead with surgery?