Four Steps to a Great Plastic Surgery Experience

Daniel Kuy, M.D., offers facial and body cosmetic procedures, laser procedures and professional skincare services at his offices in

Cincinnati and Crestview Hills.

But whether a patient is looking for a tummy tuck or the latest and greatest in facial rejuvenation, there are four keys to making sure their cosmetic surgery experience is rewarding, Kuy says. 

Step One: Consultation

Kuy’s first goal is to learn about the patient by scheduling a consultation. It’s important to understand the patient’s goals and visions for the procedure, and to grasp what bothers them enough to seek the procedure and what motivates them in contacting a plastic surgeon. This often takes time and works best in a comfortable, unrushed environment, and in a place where the patient feels respected and their privacy is ensured. 

“I need to draw out their vision, the ‘before’ and ‘after’ that lives in their mind. What is the improvement they desire in their features that only they can define for me?” he says.

To assume that one could know a patient’s wants and needs at first glance is an error in professional judgement that amateur surgeons make, Kuy believes. “Such an error leads to defensiveness and mistrust, and is counterproductive; I see many patients in my office on the rebound from these surgeons.”

“Listening carefully and actively to a patient’s concerns, without jumping ahead to false conclusions, earns a patient’s trust.  Providing a quiet, unrushed and private environment for this conversation is important,” Kuy says.  “Whether it is an eyelid that swells in slumber, a lip that has receded and thinned, a jaw line that needs redefinition, or a loose neck that needs redraping, I need to know what is feasible. I need to know a practical solution for this patient who presents to me.”

Kuy feels he needs to be first a visionary and less a diagnostician. He needs to see that mirage of a face that the patient hopefully describes.

 Often, he says, a man or woman comes to him with frustrations and dreams, and a plan of action that is partially conceived. Patients seek answers, as well as ideas, and they want guidance based upon his professional experience. They need logic, a weighing of risks and alternatives. “The solution they seek may be multi-phased, only possible to achieve over time, or it might be a ‘quick fix’ that is obvious.”

Dr. Kuy feels strongly that his patients need to be fully informed, wholeheartedly compliant with their care, and engaged in their process of transformation. “Attitude affects outcomes. Expectations must be realistic,” and he helps his patients to understand their options.

Step Two: Guidance and care

The staff at Kuy Plastic Surgery is educated, experienced and professional in their interactions and communication with patients. They are very helpful and important in the planning of surgery. No question is left unanswered and the medical history is fully explored in the preparation and work-up for the scheduled procedures. “My staff is well-trained to provide a safe procedure environment, and skilled in attending to patient needs and guiding them through the healing process,” Kuy says. This promotes an outcome with minimal complications and fast recovery.

Kuy believes the surgeon’s most important tools are the confident hands guided by reasoned judgment. Tactile experience and years of acquired knowledge come into play. “Most important is a deep understanding of the variations of our anatomy, so as to cause no harm. Then comes a gradually developed sense of what is aesthetically pleasing, as fine-tuned as a musician’s ear or a painter’s touch to canvas.”

He aims for a natural result rather than a complete transformation. Many facets come into play to create a pleased patient that is thrilled with their surgical outcome, which is always the goal.

Step Four: Anesthesia

Kuy has recognized during his 20 years of plastic surgery that the patient’s biggest concern is the anesthesia provided during the surgical procedure. With that in mind, he carefully chose an excellent and experienced team of four Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) who care as much as he does about making the entire surgical process a pleasant and safe experience. “My patients awaken nicely, immediately upon the end of the procedure, most without pain or nausea, due to the skill of my anesthesia team. Precision anesthesia is equally as important as precise surgery,” Kuy says, adding that he trusts them “because they watch my patients closely every minute of the surgery; they understand timing and dosing of medications.” 

An experienced nurse anesthetist will adjust the medication appropriately and continually in order to make a patient sleep comfortably and lightly, but deep enough not to feel pain or recall the procedure. This contributes to the best patient experience and fast recovery. Their care continues in the recovery room until the patient is fully alert and stable. Patients rest in a private and cozy area monitored by a caring nurse until ready for discharge. 

Kuy Plastic Surgery is located at 3825 Edwards Road, Suite 550, Cincinnati, OH 45209 and 2845 Chancellor Drive, Suite 1B, Crestview Hills, KY 41017. You can reach them at 844.794.7763 (844-SwissMD) or visit their website at www.drkuy.com.