Virtual Consultations
A New Way in Plastic Surgery
In today’s world, virtual Consultations have become an increasingly popular option for both “out of town’ patients, as well as those who live locally, but lead busy lives and find the idea of consulting from the comfort of their home or office appealing. Dr Dower uses an interactive visualisation and patient education platform called TouchMD, to enrich his patient’s experience during these consultations. Once you’ve registered, you will have a profile that serves as your base for delving a bit deeper. You can use your TouchMD profile to explore what to expect with your cosmetic procedure, as well as learn more about our practice.
Virtual Consultations FAQs
How long will the virtual consultation be?
A virtual consultation takes approximately 30 minutes
When can I expect to receive the quotation?
A formal quotation will be received within 1 to 3 working days.
How long after my consultation do I have to wait for my procedure date?
This is dependent on Dr Dower’s current theatre schedule and the duration of the surgery that you are interested in booking.
Do I need to pay a deposit for my procedure?
Full payment secures your surgery date.
Will I have a face-to-face appointment with Dr Dower prior to my procedure?
Your pre-operative appointment will usually take place the day following your arrival in Cape Town, once you’ve had a chance to settle in. It is important to know that neither you nor Dr Dower is obliged to go ahead with the surgical procedure until this thorough assessment has been done and if, for whatever reason, either you or he is uncomfortable with proceeding, the cost of the surgery will be refunded. Please note that there is a very important emphasis on you as the patient, providing Dr Dower (at the time of your virtual consultation) with a good understanding of your expectations, your correct medical information, and accurate photographs. This will help avoid the possibility of this occurring.
How long would I need to be in the Somerset West area post-op?
This depends on the nature of the procedure and the level of post-operative monitoring and care that is required. Although it is specific for each procedure, the duration ranges generally from 5 days to 2 weeks after surgery.
Step by Step Guide For Virtual Consultations
Step 1
Fill in our online enquiry or contact our offices to let us know the procedure in which you are interested. Be sure to let our staff know that you are an out of town patient, or live locally but would prefer a virtual consult.
Step 2
You will receive an email from our office with information on how to pay for your consultation. We will request information to create your online patient portal.
Step 3
Welcome to our practice! You will now be given options for available dates and times for your virtual consult.
Step 4
During your consultation, Dr Dower will be using an interactive visualisation and patient education platform called TouchMD. A patient portal has been created for you – please check your inbox for a mail from TouchMD Message and follow the link provided to download the app. You will now utilise your myTouchMD app to review and sign the assigned consents/forms in your account. You will be assigned ‘homework’ and asked to upload specific photos into your myTouchMD account. Dr Dower will use these photos during your consultation.
Step 5
Dr Dower asks that you write an email to him prior to the consultation, explaining the concerns you have and what your expectations from surgery are. You are also welcome to include photographs of examples of what your desired outcome looks like (in particular with breast procedures). Dr Dower will review this, along with your photographs, prior to speaking with you.
Step 6
It is almost time for your virtual consult with Dr Dower! You will receive a meeting invitation to connect with us virtually through a secure and HIPAA compliant manner.
Step 7
After the consultation, you will receive a quotation for the proposed surgery discussed, along with more information around the procedure.
Step 8
Once you feel satisfied that all your questions have been answered and if you would like to proceed with surgery, payment can be made to secure a date for the procedure.
Step 9
Your pre-operative appointment will usually take place the day following your arrival in Cape Town, once you’ve had a chance to settle in. It is important to know that neither you nor Dr Dower is obliged to go ahead with the surgical procedure until this thorough assessment has been done and if, for whatever reason, either you or he is uncomfortable with proceeding, the cost of the surgery will be refunded. Please note that there is a very important emphasis on you as the client, providing Dr Dower (at the time of your virtual consultation) with a good understanding of your expectations, your correct medical information, and accurate photographs. This will help avoid the possibility of this occurring.
Step 10
On the day of surgery, you will be welcomed to Summerhill Surgical Centre, where Dr Dower and your Spet Anaesthetist will meet with you. Depending on the nature of your procedure, you may be discharged later in the day, or stay overnight. You will have follow-up appointments scheduled as per your itinerary. Dr Dower will continue to follow up on your progress remotely once you have returned home.