Plastic Surgery: Q&A
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Offensive to Consult with Multiple Plastic Surgeons?
Do you recommend your patients get a consultation with another surgeon? If they do, are you offended? I had that situation recently and the initial surgeon said he wouldn't operate on my since "I didn't trust him enough." What are your thoughts?
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25 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
Suzy in Chicago
in Chicago
+6
Multiple consultations, absolutely
Your surgeons response to obtaining a second opinion or consultation is not the norm in the Chicago area and should raise a red flag. Trust betweeen surgeon and patient is something to be earned by honesty and integrity in one's practice, and in placing a patient's interest first.
Most patients do indeed seek more that one opinion which can be very helpful understanding the multiple approaches available. You only need to look at the responses on this site to appreciate the diversity of...
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+4
Not at all- My thoughts on the matter
Of course I would love for every patient I see to want me to be their doctor, but that is not realistic. My feeling on the matter that things work out for the best, even if the patient doesn't come to me.
Anyway, If the patient goes to another surgeon and finds a better fit, it is best for all involved that the patient find the best fit.
Frequently patients tell me that they are seeing several doctors. I accept it, and honored that they come back to me. I think that if a surgeon blows...
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+4
Always good to get several opinions
I always encourage my patients to see multiple plastic surgeons. I do warn them to make sure they are seeing someone certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. If they are not sure who to see, I do not hesitate to give them 2-3 names of surgeons that I feel do quality work in what they are wanting done. After getting multiple opinions a patient can then make a decision as a better informed patient and I think feel more comfortable with the surgeon that they allow to do their...
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+3
Multiple Plastic Surgery Consults
Thanks for your question -
In our office, we encourage patients to talk to as many people as they'd like. It is important that patients have as much information from as many sources as possible.
Typically, if your doctor is afraid of you speaking to other plastic surgeons - that's probably a good signal to keep looking.
Find a board certified plastic surgeon that encourages you to be as informed as possible - including talking to other physicians. I hope this helps.
+3
No problem with multiple consultations
I think it's a good idea to visit more than one plastic surgeon and you will be surprised at the differences. In an interview with Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show, titled "How to pick a plastic surgeon", I specifically mentioned getting more than one opinion.
Last week, a patient told me that I was the first surgeon she saw, and that she felt she needed to still see two more. However, she followed her comment up by saying, "You've set the bar very high." Indicating...
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+3
At least 2 consultations with board certified plastic surgeons recommended
If I were you I would be disturbed by the doctor's defensiveness-his insecurity would make me uneasy about his emotional maturity.
I always recommend that people considering plastic surgery should consult two board certified plastic surgeons before deciding to have surgery.
A successful outcome depends on the skill of your surgeon and as importantly, the comfort level and trust you have in the doctor.
I recommend that potential patients ask themselves, "would I feel comfortable calling...
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+3
The doctor patient relationship in plastic surgery is a partnership
Many patients come to my office referred by a happy friend who has had surgery done be me previously. These patients tend not to seek multiple consultations because their friend's experience gives them the comfort they need that they have found the right office and doctor. This is the advantage of having an established practice for a number of years. Your reputation in your community is known by the patients and the referring doctors - good or bad.
Other patients may have seen as many as...
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+3
No surgeon should be offended when you get another opinion
Unless you feel completely comfortable with the first surgeon you see (and you have thoroughly checked him/her out), it's a very good idea to see another. It may turn out to be a little time and money well-spent. Any surgeon who discourages you from doing so is probably not the one you want doing your surgery anyway. It's probably not useful to get more than 2-3 consults altogether unless you really don't care for any of those you see.
+2
No offense taken. We respect well informed patients.
Suzy in Chicago: As a surgeon I want my patients to be well informed and to trust whomever they chose to do their surgery. If the patient chooses me after several consultations, I am pleased and honored.
If someone I consult with believes that they would obtain a better result or have a more comfortable relationship with another surgeon, I would rather they go with that surgeon. We want our patients to have a positive experience, and we look forward to them trusting us again in the...
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+2
Big egos
Suzy,
Surgeons in general have big egos. So, it doesn't take much to bruise them. You are certainly within your right and it is our privilege to provide alternative opinions for you. If your first surgeon's ego is so bruised that he will not operate on you, then it is his loss. Whatever you liked about him, I'm sure you can find it in another surgeon. Good luck!
+2
Second or third opinion is very worthwhile
A good plastic surgeon will be completely fine if you talk to someone else before you make a decision. Most will actually be happy if you do that. The reason is that you will be sure about what you want to do and your other opinions may suggest something different but better! If your surgeon is uncomfortable with you seeing another surgeon for an opinion, I would say that that is uncommon. Good luck.
Portland Plastic Surgeon
+2
Multiple consultations
You should definitely pursue as many consultations as it takes untill you feel comfortable.
Generally 2 or 3 are sufficient. However, every once in a while I encounter a patient who sees 5 or 6, and this does seem excessive.
This situation sounds very unusual and I would steer clear of any surgeon who would give you an ultimatum.
There can be many different options when it comes to achieving your surgical goal. Being an informed patient will ultimately lead to your overall satisfaction...
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+2
You should be comfortable with your surgeon.
It is very important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon. If you have any doubts, then you should seek a second opinion before having surgery.
+2
Always good to get a second opinion
You need to feel comfortable with your surgeon. Most plastic surgeons will encourage you to get a second or third opinion. Any surgeon who is uncomfortable with that is probably not for you.
+2
You should see multiple doctors
I think it is unusual for a surgeon to be offended by you seeking more than one consultation. You wouldn't make a major purchase such as a car or a house without shopping around. Plastic surgery is a major purchase. Not only is it expensive, but it also involves your health and you are entering into a long-term relationship with your surgeon and their office. Therefore, you need to make sure you have all the information you need to choose the surgeon that best suits you.
First, you need to...
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+2
Getting a second and third opinion is routine, and a good idea.
Hi! I don't understand your surgeon's reaction. Sounds insecure.
What you did is perfectly appropriate. Plastic surgery is a big decision. Talent, experience, and even caring vary widely among different surgeons. And there are always some who will tell you whatever you want to hear.
Seeing more than one plastic surgeon helps you to get perspective. I expect patients to ask me about my credentials and my experience. Don't be bashful; it's your body.
Check web sites. Ask to talk to...
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+2
Must find the right fit with your surgeon
A second or possibly third opinion is good to give a patient options and find the right fit with their surgeon. Too many consultations sends a message that you are not interested in the procedure, and are just shopping around. You must have an open and honest relationship with your doctor as you are entrusting your health to his care.
+2
Multiple consultations should not offend surgeons
You should be free to go to how many plastic surgeons and consultations that you want. A good and confident surgeon should not take offense to this!
+2
Nothing wrong with multiple consultations
I always encourage patients to see other surgeons although seeing more than 2 or 3 will probably confuse you since we all have a different take on things. When patients see other doctors and then return to you, the relationship is often even stronger and that is the most important thing: the relationship. Trust should not be blind, but built on knowledge. Also, put the relationship ahead of price because some doctors will use price to gain your relationship. And don't let doctors intimidate...
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+2
Of course, you should seek multiple opinions
When you decide to commit to having elective cosmetic surgery you should feel secure in that you are in the best hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, one you feel very comfortable with. You should also be sure that the operation, the risks, benefits, costs and expected out comes are clear to you before scheduling. You should also make sure that the timing is right for you.
To accomplish all this it would be wise to visit several recommended Plastic Surgeons and see who you feel meets...
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+2
If they are offended, don't choose them
Hello Suzy,
Choosing a plastic surgeon is probably the most important decision you will make once you have decided to have surgery. When you choose an airline, you don't have a choice on who pilots your airplane.
However, when it comes to your very personal decision to have plastic surgery, it is important that you make sure that your surgeon is experienced and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Beyond that, there are many factors to consider, such as quality of their...
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+2
Multiple consultatation is wise and reasonable
It is silly to think that a plastic surgeon would be offended because you asked for multiple opinions prior to choosing a surgeon. Not only is it a reasonable thing to do, but I think it is a wise thing to do.
Some ladies come in to see me after seeing 6 or 7 other surgeons. While that many consultations may be excessive, 2 or 3 is certainly reasonable. You need to feel 100% comfortable with the surgeon who is going to operate on you. You should understand his/her credentials and...
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+1
Not offensive to consult with multiple plastic surgeons, actually a good idea.
Our office encourages patients to get multiple opinions from Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Most patients we have been seeing have gone to a total of three consultations. As the patient, you are in charge. You have the decision to make whether to proceed with the operation and who to proceed with. We think it is important to like the surgeon and staff. Make sure you are comfortable with what is going on. Not all Plastic Surgeons will come up with...
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+1
Multiple Consultations
Thank you for your question.
Many patients choose to visit multiple surgeon's prior to selecting the surgeon that will do their surgery. Seeing more than 1 surgeon may be helpful in understanding the procedure more clearly. I also see patients who tell me that they will be interviewing multiple surgeons and I am happy to see them if they decide to proceed with surgery.
The most important thing for you is to feel comfortable with the surgeon and the procedure being...
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+1
Second opinion is OK
While you don't want to doctor shop, getting a second opinion is a good idea and I would not discourage it. If two surgeons give you the same recommendation and you like them, then no need to go for too many consultations - at that point it may become confusing and definitely do not price shop for your surgeon. Of course if two surgeons give you two different recommendations, then you may want to seek a third opinion just to confirm your best option. The best way to choose a surgeon is to...
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