THE CONSULT — EPISODE 01 — 5:52
The idea and the consultation: How to find the right cosmetic surgeon for your procedure

MAYA: Welcome to The Consult. I’m Maya.

JORDAN: I’m Jordan.

TESS: And I’m Tess.

MAYA: We’re your virtual hosts for The Consult—the cosmetic surgery information podcast brought to you by Chicago Aesthetics.

MAYA: Okay, you’re considering cosmetic surgery. Maybe there’s a procedure you’ve been thinking about for years. Maybe you’re just starting to explore it. Where do you begin—and how do you find the right surgeon for you?

JORDAN: Usually, you start wherever you already look for recommendations. A friend says, “You have to meet my surgeon.” You find someone on Instagram. You search Google—or ask ChatGPT to help you narrow it down.

TESS: And suddenly you have six names, twelve screenshots, and one very enthusiastic friend.

JORDAN: Who may be a perfectly good starting point. And Tess, twelve screenshots sounds restrained for you.

TESS: I have folders, Jordan. There’s a system. But I still want a little more to go on than, “Trust me, she looks amazing.”

JORDAN: Okay, let’s start by looking at a surgeon’s training—because there’s a lot to unpack there.

MAYA: For the fellowship route to American Board of Cosmetic Surgery certification, a surgeon first completes an approved surgical residency. Then comes a dedicated, full-time cosmetic surgery fellowship. That focused training builds on years of learning to care for surgical patients.

JORDAN: So they’ve already completed a surgical residency before starting their cosmetic fellowship training. They might already be a board-certified general surgeon, for example. What changes when the training becomes focused on cosmetic surgery?

MAYA: The focus becomes aesthetic principles, cosmetic surgical techniques and the whole course of care: consultation, planning, surgery and recovery. Recognizing and managing complications is part of that training, too.

TESS: Okay, practical question: how much hands-on experience is in that fellowship?

MAYA: For this general cosmetic surgery fellowship pathway, the minimum experience is 300 cosmetic procedures, with required categories including breast, body, facial and dermatologic procedures.

TESS: Once they’ve finished that fellowship, what’s still ahead before they become certified?

JORDAN: Written and oral examinations—covering knowledge, surgical judgment, technical expertise and ethics.

MAYA: That’s a conversation worth having with our surgeons, too. We’re explaining one fellowship pathway here; each surgeon has their own training history and areas of focus.

MAYA: We have a great example right here at Chicago Aesthetics. Our founder, Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, brings several layers of surgical training to his breast and body work—and he’s one of the many talented surgeons we’ll be getting to know on this show.

JORDAN: Before he focused on breast and body surgery, he completed his general surgery residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago, followed by a burn fellowship.

MAYA: Exactly. Dr. Truong’s training also includes a dedicated cosmetic surgery fellowship and an apprenticeship in aesthetic plastic surgery. That’s substantial time spent developing the aesthetic side of his surgical work.

JORDAN: He earned his American Board of Cosmetic Surgery certification in 2015 and recertified in 2025. And here at Chicago Aesthetics, he’s also training the next generation of cosmetic surgeons as our fellowship director.

MAYA: And if you’re meeting with Dr. Truong, you’ll get to know Monika, his patient coordinator. She walks patients through the process from start to finish.

JORDAN: Exactly. Monika helps guide you through the process, while Dr. Truong and the clinical team explain your treatment and recovery. There’s room for both kinds of questions.

JORDAN: And ask where your procedure will take place and whether that facility is accredited. Your surgeon’s certification and the facility’s accreditation tell you about different parts of your care.

TESS: Okay, you’ve made the appointment. What should you have ready before you walk in?

MAYA: Start with your questions and what you’re hoping to change. Have your medical history ready, including previous procedures, and bring a list of medications and supplements. Ask the practice what paperwork you can complete ahead of time.

TESS: What happens during the appointment itself?

JORDAN: Typically, you’ll talk through your goals and health history, and the surgeon will examine the areas you’d like to discuss. Then you can explore your options, whether you’re a suitable candidate, and what the benefits, limitations and risks could be. The details depend on your situation.

MAYA: That’s also the time to understand recovery—how it could affect work and everyday activities, and what help you might need. Get guidance that relates to the procedure being recommended for you.

TESS: And let’s talk about cost. That’s a perfectly reasonable part of the conversation.

JORDAN: Absolutely. Ask for a written estimate and a clear explanation of what it includes. What covers the surgeon, the facility and anesthesia? What about follow-up, and what could be additional? You want to understand the whole estimate.

TESS: And if you like the recommendation but want some time to think it through?

MAYA: Say so. Take your notes and estimate home, consider the recommendation, and come back with anything you want clarified. A consultation gives you information to make a decision; you don’t have to decide everything in that room.

TESS: Including, “Can we go over that again?” Maya, you can always count on me for one more question.

JORDAN: Know the credentials. Know the training. Get to know your surgeon.

JORDAN: You’ll find our team and consultation information at chicagoaesthetics.com.

MAYA: Thanks for joining us on The Consult.

JORDAN: We’re your virtual hosts sharing general education. Your surgeon or treating practitioner can advise you about your own care.

TESS: See you next time.