Virtual consultations in plastic surgery or medical spa practice are more important than ever before. It is a great tool for out-of-town patients to receive a preliminary evaluation and prepare for their treatment prior to coming into the office.

Virtual consultations prior to COVID-19 may not have been the priority for some spas, but now they are becoming an important aspect of a spa business. With the stay-at-home order, virtual consultation rate have increased significantly.

Although virtual consultations are not a substitute to in-person exams, it is a great time to take advantage of this option. A virtual consultation will initiate a relationship that can be easily expanded as services can resume. This will serve to be extremely valuable when skin care professionals and clients do finally meet; the relationship will have already been established and the goal will be clear.

VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS

The process is simple: it starts with the client submitting all necessary forms, as well as images capturing all views of the area they would like to treat. Once the chart is created, have the team coordinate a Skype, Zoom, or regular phone call with the client, revising all preliminary details. Once all questions are answered, the client start their surgical planning process. Almost all procedures can, to a certain degree, be conducted virtually.

The goal of the virtual consultation is to initiate a relationship and dive into the preliminary idea of the client’s goals and desires. While a virtual consultation does not replace a physical exam, the professional can still complete a high percentage of the prep evaluation and formulate a preliminary plan.

Once the virtual session is over, the client has a very good idea if their desire is achievable – to a certain limited degree. Send additional materials electronically and have clients review before-and-after pictures on the spa’s website or portal, read the materials pertinent to their case, and conclude with a reasonable idea of what can be accomplished.

Overall, be sure to make the client feel comfortable by explaining the procedure, techniques, or treatment. Holding a virtual consultation with a client can be easy when these steps are utilized.

Dr. Thomas Trevisani, often referred to as Dr. Tom, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in Rhinoplasty, Primary and Revision, as well as Body Contouring after weight loss including post-bariatric reconstruction. His body contouring procedures are precise and transformative. His Rhinoplasties are elegant and refined. Practicing for over 30 years, Dr. Tom has become widely known for performing Closed Rhinoplasty, also referred to as Endonasal Rhinoplasty, nasal surgery performed by making all main incisions hidden inside. Based in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Tom is one of the most experienced and trusted cosmetic surgeons in the country. He has been featured in a wide range of top tier media outlets including The Doctors and won “Best Bets” by Orlando Sentinel for five consecutive years. He was named “Top Physician” by Orlando Family Magazine, “Top 100 Doctors” by Real Self from 2012 to 2019.