What can you expect when you have an initial consultation with Dr. Jeff Popp?
Well, if you ask him what improvement he thinks you need, “Absolutely nothing,” he’ll say.
Wave a wand
But if you don’t go in blindly, Dr. Popp will give you a mirror. He’ll tell you to pretend he’s your fairy godmother and can grant you one wish. Then he’ll ask what particular aspect of your face or body you would fix if he could just wave a wand and make it happen.
This helps you identify the specific things that bother you most.
“Once we have the list of one, two or five things, we go through each,” he said. “I tell them the options, the risks and complications, the cost, and how much it will improve their appearance.”
Specificity rules
It’s best to consult with him when you know what bothers you about your body or face. It’s much more effective than saying, “I want you to make me look younger.”
And never let someone else tell you what improvements you need. Dr. Popp says that’s the worst reason to get a procedure done.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
He said the more people understand their surgical options, the better their outcomes will be. He thinks it’s important that patients know the good, the bad and the ugly.
Dr. Popp is impressed when patients bring notebooks to their consultations. He said you can’t be overeducated about cosmetic surgery.
He’s proud of his ability to take medical terminology and explain it in lay person’s terms. His patients are encouraged to ask questions and call him directly if they have concerns.
Invest in preparation
To get the most out of your consultation with Dr. Popp:
- Research the procedure you might have. Dr. Popp says the Internet can be a good source of background information.
- Print the information and bring it with you. Ask any and all questions you have. The better informed you are about your procedure, the better you’ll recover.
- Take notes during your consultation so you can review the results later.
- Listen carefully.
Dr. Popp describes himself as a surgical minimalist.
“One of my jobs is to do the least amount of work to accomplish the results my patients seek,” he said. “I earn my money largely in post-operative management of my patients as opposed to actually doing their procedures.”
And he remains committed to the kind of empathy and interest the best fairy godmothers diplay.
“I don’t think you can teach bedside manner. You either have it or you don’t.”
Set up your consultation with Dr. Popp at 402.391.4558.
