Cosmetic surgery trends are all over social media, but medically-sound information can be harder to find. Reza Momeni, MD, plastic surgeon at Summit Health, says this often leads to confusion and unrealistic expectations.

“Our priority is helping patients feel informed,” he explains. “A strong consultation focuses on your goals and the safest, most effective options.” 

Below, Dr. Momeni shares the top things patients should know to make the most of their plastic surgery consultation.

1. The procedure you want is not always the procedure you need. 

Many patients arrive at their consultation, having already decided on a specific procedure. However, the treatment they choose is not always the one that will properly address their concerns. For example, a patient may come in requesting a facelift, but if an improvement in their deep smile lines is the main issue, often a simple filler treatment is all that is needed.

“Selecting your own procedure is similar to trying to diagnose yourself—sometimes you’ll be right and sometimes you’ll be wrong,” Dr. Momeni explains. “Like any other doctor, our job is to first determine the underlying cause of what you would like to improve and then, recommend an appropriate solution.”

2. Your consultation will be better if you come with clear goals. 

Dr. Momeni encourages patients to approach their consultation by focusing on their goals rather than specific procedures. When patients ask him “what treatment or surgery do you think I should do?”, he likes to return the focus to his patients with a different question: “If you had a magic wand, what are the top two or three things you would change?”

“This approach helps clarify your priorities without prematurely narrowing in on a treatment,” says Dr. Momeni. “Once you identify your goals, we can discuss nonsurgical or surgical options and explain what level of results are realistic.”

3. Nonsurgical options can make a big difference.

Botox and fillers are sometimes viewed as simple “quick fixes,” but when performed properly, they are highly effective and supported by decades of clinical research and real-life experience. Dr. Momeni notes that patients love these treatments because they provide quick results, require little downtime, and are adjustable (fillers can be reversed if necessary). In short, they offer subtle improvements that can be added onto and built up gradually over time.

“My philosophy is to start conservatively, because you can always add more,” he explains. “This approach helps patients avoid an overdone appearance and supports natural-looking results.”

If a patient feels that their Botox didn’t work, Dr. Momeni adds that the issue is often related to dosage or muscle selection—not a failure of the treatment itself.

4. Breast implants are safe, but they do not last a lifetime.

Breast implants—whether placed for cosmetic enhancement or cancer reconstruction—are frequently misunderstood. While they are very safe overall, they cannot last forever. Most implants typically remain intact for about 10 to 12 years.

Dr. Momeni explains that the FDA recommends MRI screening every 5-6 following silicone implant placement with repeat screening every 2-3 years thereafter to monitor silent implant leaks, with silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with harmless saline (salt and water), so no MRIs are needed. A leak or rupture is not dangerous right away, but it should be found early and addressed to prevent long-term tissue changes. Implants can be safely replaced when necessary. If you notice any cosmetic changes, bring it to your doctor’s attention.

5. Preparing for surgery involves more than the procedure. 

While many patients focus on what happens during and immediately after surgery—such as pain, downtime and medications—the practical details of recovery are equally important.

Dr. Momeni encourages patients to think ahead about who will be with them during the first few days, who can help with meals, transportation, childcare or pet care, where they will recover most comfortably, and how the recovery period will fit into their work and personal schedules. 

“Being alone after surgery is never ideal,” he emphasizes. “The safest and easiest recovery is the one you prepare for.”

Summit Health can help. 

Our plastic surgery team is here to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. We offer a variety of treatments including nonsurgical and surgical options. Make an appointment for a consultation today.