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Is the Chemistry Between Doctor and Patient of Critical Importance?

asked 2 years ago by Anna Paula in Vienna
Latest answer by Stephen Prendiville, MD
Question viewed 603 times
Tags: plastic surgeon

I'm choosing a surgeon--I have seen many pictures, curriculum vitaes, etc. Though I wonder, wether the intangible chemistry between doctor and patient isn't maybe also of critical importance to any successful procedure, because effective comunication and trust are essential between doctor and patient. We see evermore often patients who don't trust their doctors and vice versa! Should a patient trust his or her gut feeling?

11 answers to Is the Chemistry Between Doctor and Patient of Critical Importance?

Chemistry is Essential

I agree with others who have already posted: chemistry between patient and surgeon is critical. This is most pertinent in circumstances when a patient is considering a surgical approach for a cosmetic issue. In order to have a good experience, a smooth recovery, and a sense of satisfaction for having had the procedure(s), a patient needs to have a positive outlook. Trust between the patient and the surgeon is a necessary step in reaching this sense of optimism. In situations where... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

Patient-Doctor Rapport for Plastic Surgery

The relationship between the physician and the patient is one of the most important factors in cosmetic surgery, if not the most important factor. Regardless of a surgeon's credentials or past results, the patient must feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon, who must also feel comfortable with the patient. Plastic surgery is more about managing patient expectations rather than obtaining exact results. The happiest patients are not always the ones with the "best" results. You... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Doctor Patient Relationship

Yes, your relationship with your surgeon is very important. The skill of the surgeon is very important. However, it is also very important that you find a surgeon you takes the time to listen to you and understand your expectations for surgery and also takes the time to help you understand everything that is involved with surgery. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Doctor patient relationship

You should most definitely have a good rapport and relationship with your surgeon before proceeding with any surgical or non-surgical procedure. You need to feel comfortable with him/her and must genuinely like the doctor and trust the doctor. You need to know your surgeon will be available for you in the event you are displeased or have a surgical complication. If you feel you don't have a connection with a plastic surgeon, I recommend consulting with a few until you find one who is... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Yes

I think that the doctor patient relationship is vital to a happy and successful experience for many reasons. Without good communication and trust, you may not have realistic expectations, and so, you may have a great outcome, and never be happy with it! Also, if you have a rough patch, you won't get the support that you need. It is ONE component. You should also look at the doctor's qualifications (board certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery, etc.), and his pre and post ops, and... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Good doctor patient relationship

Excellent question and it certainly is one of the more important factors to review when making your final choice of surgeon. However, there are many issues which must be considered in their entirety. There is no one criteria that can be applied in all circumstances. Having a good relationship with an open line of communication and mutual trust and respect is essential. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a Surgeon- is good chemistry important?

Hi there- This question comes up often- here is an answer I gave to a patient interested in finding a good tummy tuck surgeon- If you follow this advice, you should be able to be confident you will be well taken care of... This really is a universal question. Let's first understand that what you are really asking is, "how do I maximize my chances of getting the outcome I want, with safety, in a comfortable and pleasant experience?". It is important to understand that while your chosen more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Feeling comfortable with your doctor

Cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure. I think it is very important to feel comfortable with your doctor. If you already have a red flag then proceed no further, perhaps you should look elsewhere.

Sharon Theresa McLaughlin MD
Long Island City Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgeon Selection

That is the most important of all. You need to be sure and confident in your plastic surgeon for the procedure you will be undergoing. Trust is very important. This is the exact reason why we all say dont go for just the price, because more often than not you will be dissappointed. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Trust and chemistry

This is absolutely important. I think of a surgeon-patient relationship like a marriage. Someone might look "good on paper" but not strike you in a positve way. Trust is not blind trust, but trust built on knowledge. The more you know about a person/surgeon, the more you can trust them with your life. Like a marriage, the important thing is not what happens when everything goes right, but what happens when things start to go wrong. How do the patient and doctor work together to... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Doctor and patient relationships

I think you definitely have to trust your "gut" when it comes to a doctor. Remember a good relationship is important for reassurance, availablilty, and caring. If you have a problem you certainly want the doctor to be available and caring and to provide good care if there is a problem

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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