If you’re requesting information from out-of-town or simply prefer to speak with our board-certified plastic surgeon from the comfort of your own surroundings, Dr. Ira Savetsky can make your initial meeting easier than ever with a virtual consultation. A virtual consultation is similar to an in-person visit in many ways. During a secure video call placed through a HIPAA-compliant medical communication platform, you and Dr. Savetsky will discuss your procedure(s)-of-interest, concerns, medical history, and overall aesthetic goals. Whether you’re interested in facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, or any of our other procedures, photos submitted beforehand will help Dr. Savetsky recommend the most beneficial treatment option(s) for your unique needs and desires.
You may be able to move forward with scheduling your procedure after the video call, but keep in mind that an in-person consultation may still be necessary for certain patients to gain clarity on their goals and the details of their treatment plan. That said, virtual consultations can be an easy and effective way to learn about how we can help you bring your aesthetic desires to fruition. In general, the different steps of the virtual consultation process are outlined below.
Step One: Request a Virtual Consultation
Fill out the online form on our contact page to request a virtual meeting. You will be contacted by our Patient Care Coordinator, who will arrange an appointment time that works for you and provide additional instructions for your virtual consultation. A member of our team will also send you new patient forms to complete prior to your scheduled meeting time.
Step Two: Fill Out Patient Paperwork
Complete your patient forms and kindly send them back to our office at least two days before your appointment to allow Dr. Savetsky time to review them. A confirmation email will be sent to you upon completion of your paperwork.
Step Three: Send Consultation Photos
Similar to your patient forms, your consultation photos should be sent at least two days prior to your appointment. Some digital files sent through email may be too large for one message, so you may have to send each photo in a separate email. Be sure to take your photos in the mirror or with the help of a friend (no selfies) and against a plain-colored background if possible. Since shadows can obscure and distort certain aspects of an image, try to ensure the photo is taken in good lighting.
How to Take Photos for Your Consultation
The quality of the photos you submit play an essential role in the virtual consultation process. It’s important that the images are taken in adequate lighting, remain natural and unposed, and give Dr. Savetsky a complete view of the area(s) of concern. Instructions and tips for taking a good-quality photo for your consultation can be found below.
- Face Procedures: The camera should be positioned directly in front of your face, with the frame of view including the top of your head down to just below your collarbones. Relax your jawbone and maintain a neutral, natural expression. Do not jut out your jaw, smile, or otherwise pose for the photo. Take four photos: a full front view, quarter-turn view, side view, and one with your head facing forward and tilted slightly downward.
- Breast Procedures: The camera should be in a straightforward position, such that the image shows the region just below the chin to the belly button. There should be no garments on to allow complete visibility of the treatment area. Relax the shoulders and do not raise the arms — the hands can rest naturally on the hips or remain straight at the sides. Take five photos: a full front view, two quarter-turn views on each side, and two side views.
- Body Procedures: The camera should be in a straightforward position, with the image showing your entire torso from your shoulders to your feet. There should be no clothing obscuring the area(s) of concern, and the arms should not be raised. Relax the abdomen and do not “suck in.” Take five photos: a full front view, quarter-turn from front view, quarter-turn from back view, side view, and full back view.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have any questions about taking photos for your virtual consultation. A team member will be happy to assist you and guide you through the process.
Step Four: Log On to Your Virtual Appointment
You will receive instructions detailing how to log on to your video call via email. Please be sure your device has audio (microphone) and video (camera) capabilities. After you click the video link provided, you will be directed to your virtual waiting room and Dr. Savetsky will meet with you shortly.
Patient Privacy and Confidentiality of Medical Information
At the practice of Dr. Ira Savetsky, our team abides by the highest standards of patient confidentiality. We comply with the privacy rules and regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and our team members keep abreast of new protocols regarding the security of your personal information. Any and all medical information and photos submitted are sent through encrypted services designed to keep your data secure. Our rigorous standards of providing ethical treatment permeate all the services we provide for our patients, including virtual visits and online consultations.