Your initial one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gorup is an essential part of your decision to have cosmetic surgery. During the consultation, you and Dr. Gorupwill get to know one another and discuss the changes 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. Know Dr. Gorup's qualifications before you go. Also, write down any questions you may have for Dr. Gorup to be sure you get the information you want.

Expect this first visit to take time. Dr. Gorup will review your medical history, take photographs and talk about the specific changes you want. It's important that you and Dr. Gorup establish a good rapport during your first meeting. If Dr. Gorup has a clear picture of the results you want, you've begun good and open communications. In return, expect Dr. Gorup to be honest with you about what surgery can and cannot do for you. While you may not leave the office with a final decision, you should have a clearer idea about what's realistic for you.

There will be a $150 fee for your cosmetic consultation.

What about confidentiality?

Although many people are more open about their own cosmetic surgery now than they once were, not everyone is. We all want the privilege of telling family and friends about our surgery ourselves. Be assured that in most plastic surgery offices, your privacy is highly guarded. Dr. Gorup and his staff members maintain a patient's right to privacy and use discretion with patient information.