When a person decides to embark on a plastic surgery procedure, it can trigger a sense of enthusiasm, and for some, a feeling of empowerment. Despite these initial feelings, it’s highly important for potential patients to encounter professionalism during a plastic surgery consultation which should also be punctuated by a sense of calm and comfort.
Karen Martindale, who serves as patient concierge for San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. D. Glynn Bolitho, shared the significance of creating this patient atmosphere.
“We really try to put patients at ease through communication and getting to know them better prior to the examination portion of their visit,” Ms. Martindale said.
Both Dr. Bolitho and Ms. Martindale decided to afford patients with a special experience by creating their consultation suite otherwise known as the Clifton Room. This room is utilized for ensuring patient comfort in where individuals have the time that they need to speak with Ms. Martindale and ultimately Dr. Bolitho.
Rather than having patients transfer from the reception room to an examining room, it was decided to have patients relax in a private sitting room. Patients have the opportunity to view a “before-and-after” patient gallery on a flat screen as well as sharing their aesthetic wishes to Ms. Martindale and Dr. Bolitho.
“Our goal was to make the consultation less formal than other medical practices,” Ms. Martindale said. “Dr. Bolitho really likes to get to know his patients. That’s so important to him.”
Ms. Martindale went on to say that the patient experience during a consultation transcends to much more than a potential cosmetic surgery.
“Dr. Bolitho is extremely warm and kindhearted. He likes to know about a person’s general health, their lifestyle, and even their family. For Dr. Bolitho, it’s about building relationships,” she said.
Once a potential patient has had the opportunity to discuss their aesthetic wishes in the Clifton Room, the next step is the examining room if they so choose.
While Ms. Martindale has been in the field of plastic surgery for more than 25 years, her compassion for patient care has never waned. Like Dr. Bolitho, she understands how an examination for a procedure such as a breast lift or tummy tuck can trigger a natural awkwardness. It’s Ms. Martindale’s intention to make patients feel as relaxed as possible, and the Clifton Room serves as a nice segue to the examining room portion of the visit.
According to Ms. Martindale, a plastic surgery consultation lasts roughly about an hour. She also shared how they have a goal to achieve during each and every consultation.
“We want patients to feel totally comfortable and want them to know that they are in wonderful hands because we care,” she said. “Our patients become part of our practice family.”
