Your consultation at SARA Surgery is a face-to-face meeting with Dr. Sara Dickie—and the conversation goes both ways. You get to interview her, ask questions, and decide whether you feel comfortable with her approach. She gets to meet you, understand your goals, and evaluate which options may be appropriate for you.
You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly which procedure you want. The consultation is where you can explore your concerns and begin making an informed plan together.
We Start With Your Whole Health
Before discussing the details of surgery, we gather information about your general health, medications, allergies, and previous operations. We also want to know which procedures you are considering.
These questions help Dr. Dickie understand your whole health and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. Even a medication or past health issue that seems unrelated may be relevant to planning your care.
Safety is the number one priority at SARA Surgery. Understanding your medical history is an essential part of evaluating the risks of a procedure and deciding how to move forward.
It helps to bring an up-to-date medication list and information about your previous surgeries. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also recommends preparing your medical history and writing down questions before your first visit. ASPS guide to preparing for your consultation
A Physical Exam With Privacy and Comfort in Mind
Dr. Dickie performs a targeted physical examination based on the areas you would like to discuss. This takes place in a private room, with a comfortable, full-length gown provided for modesty. Appropriate disposable undergarments are also available to help protect your privacy.
The examination helps connect your goals with your anatomy. It gives Dr. Dickie information she needs to explain which approaches may address your concerns and what their limitations may be.
If you feel nervous or have questions about any part of the examination, please say so. Your comfort is part of the conversation.
You Choose Whether to Bring a Guest
You are welcome to attend your consultation on your own or bring a guest. Some people appreciate having someone there to listen, take notes, or help remember questions. Others prefer a private conversation.
Who attends is entirely up to you, the patient.
Your guest may wait in the waiting room during sensitive parts of the examination or discussion. Bringing someone with you does not mean they need to participate in every part of the visit.
We Talk About Your Goals and What Is Driving Your Decision
Following the history and examination, Dr. Dickie will discuss what you hope to change and what is motivating you to consider plastic surgery.
You might have a specific concern, several questions, or a general sense that you would like to explore your options. Explaining what matters most to you helps guide the discussion.
This is also an opportunity to talk about expectations. What would make a meaningful difference to you? What concerns do you have about scars, recovery, or the outcome? An honest conversation helps you and Dr. Dickie understand whether the available options align with your goals.
You Build a Plan Together
Dr. Dickie will formulate a plan with you that considers your goals and expectations, your anatomy, and your health and safety.
There may be several options to discuss. Each may involve different benefits, limitations, scars, and recovery needs. The purpose of the consultation is to help you understand those differences and the reasoning behind the recommendations.
For example, someone interested in abdominal contouring may need to discuss skin, fat, and the abdominal wall. Our article on what a tummy tuck can include explains why a surgical plan can vary between patients.
Questions and Second Opinions Are Welcome
Dr. Dickie is happy to discuss second opinions and answer questions about advice you have received elsewhere. If another surgeon has recommended a different approach, you can bring that into the conversation.
Useful questions might include:
- Why do you recommend this approach for my anatomy?
- What other options should I consider?
- What can this procedure reasonably achieve?
- What are the risks and limitations?
- What should I expect during recovery?
Your consultation is an opportunity to understand your choices and get to know the surgeon who may be caring for you.
To meet with Dr. Dickie at SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, schedule a consultation.
