“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Your medical office is a tangible representation of your brand and expertise. When a patient selects who to go to for their plastic surgery needs, they will consider two things: the surgeon and the clinic itself. Surgeons will have their own specialties and will vary greatly in capabilities and experience, but it is in the clinic itself that we can offer up some insights on how you can create an inviting environment for your patients to stand out from the rest. Tip the scales in your favor and take your practice to the world-class level with our design tips below:

1. Atmosphere (Environment)

   When you think of atmosphere, like air – it’s the feeling your space conveys, and nowhere is this more noticeable than in the reception area. It’s the moments when you enter the office, and your patients will be able to make lasting impressions. The visuals, smells, and sounds – all need to be on point and pleasant. The flow should be intuitive enough that your patients will be empowered to navigate where they need to go. The sounds and smells can be customized in the same way five-star hotels have their signature scents. A customized playlist of ambient music and a scent will define the experience of your Plastic Surgery clinic – a branded experience that patients will associate with pleasant memories of your space.

2. Lounge Not Waiting Room (Comfort)

   As we’ve shared before, taking your practice to a world-class level means reimagining the patient experience. Start by calling it a Lounge NOT Waiting Room. It shouldn’t just be a change in name but a change of purpose. Lounges demand a state of relaxation and comfort. They should be fitted with furniture that allows people to distress like individual chairs and couches, side tables where they can put down their things. A beverage station is also a great addition for your patients to enjoy.

3. Patient Rooms (Privacy)

   When designing patient rooms in a plastic surgery clinic, it will be of utmost importance to guarantee the privacy of patients. Complete exclusivity serves the patient before the procedure and especially the postoperative recovery. Of course, there is an element of glamor that you want to continue from the public areas into these private spaces and a cozy, sleek look will soften the cold, antiseptic atmosphere associated with surgical spaces.

4. Visuals (Colors and Materials)

   A thoughtful palette in your Interior Design is a great way to introduce different emotions you want to incite within a space. A soft natural palette will be calming and relaxing. A pop of color in a strong shade of red can introduce a wow factor that incites passion, while a rich purple wallpaper with gold accents can reinforce luxury. Colors have a psychological impact that affects how they will be perceived. Materials similarly can define the feeling you want to achieve, just think of the way wood is always described as “warm” and tend to give off the same vibe in a room filled with wood.
   Always mind the colors and materials that you choose to decorate the interiors of your spaces because they matter. As much as you want to “design” for the sake of visual impact alone, you should always be able to take a step back and look at the Interior design from a scrutinizing eye because your patients will.

5. Lighting (Ambience)

   Lighting is part of the patient experience. It will render your interiors in a whole new light literally. The market is filled to the brim with choices and with the advent of LED technology, fixtures and the lamp itself have come in so many forms and options. Always determine the right kind of lighting needed to achieve the desired effect. Bright indirect lights are always a good idea because glare doesn’t do your space any good except discomfort. Consider cove lighting against a blank wall to highlight and “wash the adjacent space with diffused light. For works spaces, consider designated task lighting to accomplish the task but not subvert general illumination.

Knowing the patient is knowing what needs to be addressed. This empathic lens will serve your practice well and will go a long way toward providing your patients an experience they will gladly remember. Are you ready to elevate your practice? Give us a call right now at (310) 359-1200 or drop a consultation here. We’d love to hear from you soon!