For international patients, the virtual consultation is the most important step in the entire process. It is where your goals are evaluated, your candidacy is confirmed, your procedure is planned, and your questions are answered — all before you book a single flight.
Yet many patients arrive at their consultation unsure of what to expect. Dr. Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, board-certified plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, walks you through exactly how it works.
What Is a Virtual Consultation?
A virtual consultation is a real medical evaluation conducted remotely — by video call, with photographs and medical history reviewed in advance. It is not a sales conversation. It is the appointment where a board-certified surgeon determines whether you are a safe candidate, what procedure is appropriate for your anatomy, and what results are realistically achievable.
Any surgeon willing to book your surgery without a proper consultation is a serious red flag. The consultation is not a formality — it is the foundation of your surgical plan.
Before Your Consultation — What to Prepare
Photographs
Clear photos are essential for accurate evaluation. Dr. Giudicelli's team will send specific instructions, but generally you should prepare:
- Front, both sides, and back views of the area of concern
- Photos taken in natural, even lighting — no filters, no editing
- Fitted clothing or undergarments so the contour is visible
- A neutral, standing posture with arms relaxed at your sides
Your Medical History
Have this information ready:
- Current height and weight, and your weight history over the past year
- All medications and supplements you take, including doses
- Any chronic conditions — diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, clotting disorders
- Previous surgeries of any kind, and any complications you experienced
- Allergies, especially to medications or anesthesia
- Smoking status and alcohol consumption
- Whether you are taking GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro
- Pregnancy history and whether you plan future pregnancies
Your Goals — Written Down
Be specific. "I want to look better" is difficult to work with. "I want a flatter abdomen and my waist more defined, but I want to still look natural" gives your surgeon something concrete to plan around.
Reference photos can be useful — but choose them to communicate the style of result you want, not to request someone else's body. Your anatomy determines what is achievable.
Your Questions
Write them down beforehand. Consultations move quickly and it is easy to forget what you meant to ask.
During Your Consultation — What Happens
Step 1 — Review of Your Goals
Dr. Giudicelli will start by understanding what you want to change and why. This is the most important part of the conversation — the technical plan follows from your goals, not the reverse.
Step 2 — Medical History and Safety Evaluation
Your health status determines whether surgery is safe and which procedures are appropriate. Be completely honest here — including about smoking, weight fluctuations, and medications. Withholding information does not protect you; it puts you at risk.
Step 3 — Photo Assessment
Dr. Giudicelli will evaluate your photos to assess skin quality and elasticity, fat distribution and donor availability, muscle separation, tissue position, and existing scars. This is where anatomy meets what is realistically possible.
Step 4 — Procedure Recommendation
Based on your goals and anatomy, Dr. Giudicelli will recommend a specific approach — which may or may not be the procedure you came in asking for. Many patients arrive requesting liposuction when they actually need a tummy tuck, or an augmentation when they need a lift. An honest surgeon will tell you.
Step 5 — Realistic Expectations
You will be told what the procedure can and cannot achieve for your specific body. This conversation is the most valuable part of any consultation — and the part patients most often wish they had listened to more carefully.
Step 6 — Risks and Recovery
Every surgery carries risk. Dr. Giudicelli will explain the specific risks relevant to your procedure and health profile, along with the realistic recovery timeline and what will be required of you.
Step 7 — Logistics and Planning
Finally, the practical details: how long you need to stay in Santo Domingo, what pre-operative testing is required, accommodation guidance, pricing, and follow-up structure.
Questions Worth Asking
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure — and if not, why?
- What specific procedure do you recommend for my anatomy, and why that one?
- What results can I realistically expect, and what are the limitations in my case?
- Where will my surgery be performed, and who administers anesthesia?
- How long is the procedure and how long must I stay in the Dominican Republic?
- What are the specific risks given my health profile?
- What does the total cost include?
- What happens if I have a complication after returning home?
- Can I see before and after photos of patients with similar anatomy to mine?
- Should I combine procedures or stage them separately?
Red Flags During a Consultation
- Pressure to book immediately or limited-time pricing offers
- Promises of perfect results without thorough evaluation
- Unwillingness to discuss risks openly
- Agreeing to any procedure you request without clinical assessment
- No clear answer about where surgery will be performed
- Consultation conducted by a coordinator rather than the surgeon
- Dismissiveness toward your questions
After Your Consultation
You should never feel obligated to decide during the call. A responsible consultation ends with you having the information you need — not with a deposit.
Take time to review what was discussed, seek a second opinion if you want one, and confirm the practical details fit your life. If you decide to move forward, Dr. Giudicelli's team will guide you through pre-operative testing, scheduling, and travel planning.
Why Choose Dr. Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba?
- Board-certified plastic surgeon — Member of ASPS, SODOCIPRE & FILACP
- Residency at Hospital Salvador B. Gautier — RENACIP program
- 4.8-star Google rating with 66+ verified patient reviews
- All procedures performed in fully accredited surgical facilities
- Honest evaluation — including when a procedure is not right for you
- Free virtual consultation for international patients
- Remote post-operative support via WhatsApp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the virtual consultation really free?
Yes. Dr. Giudicelli offers free virtual consultations for international patients. There is no cost and no obligation to proceed.
How long does a virtual consultation take?
Most consultations take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and how many questions you have. Complex or combined procedures may require longer or a follow-up call.
Do I speak directly with Dr. Giudicelli?
Yes. Your medical evaluation and surgical planning are conducted by Dr. Giudicelli himself. His team assists with logistics, scheduling, and travel coordination.
What if I am not a good candidate?
You will be told directly, along with the reasons and any alternatives. Sometimes the recommendation is to lose weight first, stop smoking, wait until after future pregnancies, or address a health condition. Being told no is a sign of a surgeon prioritizing your safety.
Can I have a consultation if I am still deciding whether to have surgery?
Absolutely. Many patients consult months before deciding, or simply to understand their options. There is no obligation to book.
Will I need an in-person evaluation before surgery?
Yes. You will have an in-person pre-operative appointment in Santo Domingo 2-3 days before your procedure, where the surgical plan is confirmed and final measurements taken.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The virtual consultation costs nothing and commits you to nothing — but it gives you the clarity to make the right decision for your body.
Schedule your free virtual consultation today. Contact us via WhatsApp or visit drgiudicelli.com.
