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Home | Our Practice | Your First Visit

Your First Visit

During your initial consultation, Dr. Steinwald will first introduce himself to you and then ask you about your desires and priorities regarding plastic surgery in Chicago. The cornerstone of his approach is to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals, and to ensure that you have an adequate understanding of the issues involved so that you are able to make a fully informed decision. He knows that when it comes to cosmetic surgery, Chicago is an area of the country filled with choices – which can make your selection process downright confusing. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member or a friend to your consultation, to provide support, as well as a different perspective for you, or perhaps to ask questions you may have forgotten or may not be entirely comfortable asking.

He will then inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications and allergies. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.

• Acknowledgement of "Notice of Privacy Practices"
• New Patient Information Form

After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Steinwald will discuss in further depth your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery. After performing a focused examination, he will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will diagram the techniques discussed, and usually present "before-and-after" photographs of prior patients who have undergone similar plastic surgery before you. It is also sometimes helpful to bring pictures of yourself at a younger age (or before pregnancy or significant weight change) so that he can evaluate the changes that have occurred over time.

Dr. Steinwald will explain the advantages and disadvantages as well as the risks and limitations of the different options you have available to you. His approach during the consultation is extremely open and honest regarding the possibilities and limitations of plastic surgery in Chicago. Dr. Steinwald's primary goal is your happiness after surgery. If this may not be achievable, as plastic surgery cannot address every hope, he will certainly explain this to you.

At the completion of your consultation, we will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure and review financing options. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your cosmetic surgery procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one (especially when it comes to elective cosmetic surgery; Chicago-area patients are very educated about this), and your final decision should be given very careful consideration. We realize the importance and personal nature of these deliberations, and at no time will you be pressured to make such a decision. If you need more time, you are also welcome to call or e-mail with further questions in the meantime, and "secondary consults" to further discuss your options are always complimentary.

All of your questions will be answered to the best of our ability, and all of us here at will certainly respect the sensitive, emotional, and personal nature of your concerns throughout your experience with us. You will not feel rushed as you and Dr. Steinwald tailor an individualized, comprehensive plan together. Once good communication and rapport is established, many people become much more comfortable with the idea of actually going through a plastic surgery procedure. In fact, we hope you become enthusiastic about the idea, as long as this enthusiasm is tempered by realistic expectations. Ultimately, it is our goal at Lake Forest Plastic Surgery to minimize your anxiety and exceed your expectations in what is often a thrilling and potentially life-enhancing endeavor.

Your Next Step

To visit with us, simply request a consultation online and save $50 off the regular consultation fee. Or, call the Lake Forest Plastic Surgery office at (847) 234-9464 to schedule your appointment.