The Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing have forced us to rethink how we connect with our friends and family, doctors, and even romantic partners. Dr. Johnny Franco, founder of A More Beautiful You Plastic Surgery in Austin Texas, is implementing measures to ensure his nationwide patients can still have access to the practice.

As Dr. Franco explains, “Aesthetic surgery is like many other areas of medicine in that it relies heavily on in-person interactions. Like so many doctors around the world, his usual “hands-on” approach is being modified to allow patients who are scheduling consultations and follow-ups to do these virtually from the comfort of their home. Because the vast majority of our patients schedule months in advance, we want to ensure that we are able to accommodate them safely and securely.” Dr. Franco says that virtual/online appointments have been a common part of his practice and he predicts this switch to a more virtual based approach will continue to grow in spite of the current Coronavirus climate. “We’ve seen the trend increasing over the last two to three years, where patients are increasingly requesting that their initial consults be done remotely.

One of the benefits of the trend toward a more tacit reliance on technology is that it allows patients to have access to specialists all over the state and country. “Patients are no longer limited by geography in terms of where they choose to have procedures done. Virtual/online appointments allow patients to do some of their initial consultations and follow-up appointments remotely.