Consultation is an essential component of cosmetic surgery or reconstructive procedure related to the hand and upper extremity. The surgeon will closely engage with the patient during the consultation process to evaluate their anatomical condition of the hand as well as understand their personal functional and aesthetic needs and goals.
Based on the inputs received during this consultation, the surgeon will prepare a customized hand surgery plan. The consultation also provides an opportunity to establish a personal rapport between the patient and the surgeon. Dr. Asaf Yalif is a board certified hand surgeon and plastic surgeon providing various procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding communities.
Health Assessment
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will examine the general health condition of the patient to determine their fitness to undergo reconstructive or plastic surgery of the hand. The patient should provide previous medical records and full information related to any existing health conditions, ongoing treatments or known drug allergies.
During this consultation, the patient should also provide a list of any prescription as well as non-prescription medications that they may be taking, including herbal supplements and vitamins. If the patient is a smoker, they should be forthcoming about it, and be committed to stop smoking for a certain period of time that the surgeon will advise pre- and post-surgery.
The surgeon will carefully examine the patient’s hand condition to evaluate the risk factors and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Diagnostic tests may sometimes have to be ordered to learn more about the condition or extent of damage. The surgeon will also inform the patient about the potential risks and complications, recovery aspects and expected results to help them make an informed decision.
Many surgeons require the patient to fill a questionnaire to ensure that all aspects of the health evaluation are covered. The degree of pain and discomfort, the limitations of movement and the progression of disease will also be evaluated at the time of initial consultation. The surgeon may ask the patient to perform certain hand movements to know the precise difficulties.
Information related to pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension will be required. If any existing medical condition has changed recently, the patient should let the surgeon know about it. Experienced hand surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.
Diagnostic Tests
X-rays may have to be performed as a part of the consultation process to determine the precise nature of the problem with the hand or extremities. A separate set of x-rays for the wrist and forearm may be required in some cases. The current x-rays may be compared with previous reports to determine any change or deterioration.
An MRI test may be required in some cases to examine the inner hand structures more minutely. The MRI may reveal any infections, tendon issues or other underlying complications. The surgical plan for the hand or upper extremity will be finalized after a comprehensive consultation process has been completed.
For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.
