Here’s What Your Plastic Surgery Appointment Might Look Like During the Pandemic

Over the last five months, plastic surgery clinics have reportedly seen a rise in interest for already-popular cosmetic procedures like facial contouring, butt enhancements, Botox, and body contouring. Even though most of the country has reopened, many people are still choosing to stay socially distanced as COVID-19 continues to spread, which is why – considering the lack of social interaction and the subsequent amount of time they’ll be able to spend at home recovering – this may seem like the perfect time for those interested to consider finally going under the knife.

“Plastic surgery centres all over the country are seeing an uptick in cases,” cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon Scott Miller, MD, FACS, told POPSUGAR. “Many people who had their surgeries delayed are now ready and eager to move forward; others who have previously considered cosmetic plastic surgery and were waiting for the right timing think that the right time has arrived. Still, others used their downtime to reflect on things they would like to do and are focused on self-improvement, such as cosmetic plastic surgery.”

But what’s it like to visit a plastic surgeon’s office in the middle of a pandemic? In the same way that there’s been a slight change in the way we pay our doctors and dentists a visit, you can expect for there to be slightly more precautions in place ahead of any cosmetic procedure.

Safety Protocols

While safety measures at each clinic will vary by state (and sometimes, by county) there are a few common threads most practices are putting in place. “At Miller Cosmetic Surgery Center, many protocols have been put into place to allow safe and productive cosmetic plastic surgery consultations,” he said. “In addition to previsit screening questions, temperature checks, and face coverings, there are precautions such as no touch registration, viral filters on all airway and anesthesia ventilators and connectors, [and] UV exam room sterilization between each patient.”

Patients at the clinic may also be tested for COVID-19 ahead of their operations. “Overall, our goal is for patients to be as safe or safer here than anywhere else they may go, including their home,” he said.

If you’re going in for a cosmetic procedure anytime soon, the most important thing you should do is make sure you’re visiting a board-certified surgeon who’s following the guidelines from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).