If you’ve lost trust with your surgeon, is it possible to consult with other doctors?

Question

I understand that it’s best to work with your primary surgeon. I had a good rapport with him prior, but he became short and dismissive after surgery. I’ve had numerous issues, including a pixie ear, raised scar behind one ear, a chin implant that is too big, and uneven eyelids after an upper bleph. I don’t trust him to any additional work. I would like my chin implant removed. I’ve contacted a few dr’s offices, but they refer me back to my original surgeon. I’m not sure what to do.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is usually best to get revisional surgery done by your primary surgeon. He knows the procedure that you have had the best and also may do it for a reduced fee. If, however things don’t work out you should find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. Plesse take all your before and after pictures and all your records with you. All the best!

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In most cases, it is best to work with the surgeon who performed the procedure for several reasons. First, they know exactly what was performed in the previous surgery, and in this case, what type of material was used for chin augmentation, how it was secured, etc. Secondly, some surgeons offer reduced fees for revision procedures of their own patients. Finally, they already know the patient, their personality, goals, etc and may be able to achieve better results with a revision compared to the primary procedure due to this knowledge.That being said, if a patient is truly unhappy with their original surgeon or not confident in their abilities, the patient can always reach out to other doctors for their opinion. Keep in mind that second or third opinions may not differ from the original surgeon, and safety is always the highest priority.Best,

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question! You will see that most surgeons will refer you back to your original surgeon. However, if it is an issue of trust on your part, and you are not wanting to continue the relationship with your current plastic surgeon, there are surgeons out there who would be willing to take on your revision case. Often times, it would be considered an entirely new process, with a new surgeon. The new surgeon would need your surgical note from the previous physician to be brought up to speed on the procedures performed. After that, you then most likely will have consultation fees,  updated pictures taken, and a new surgical plan with the new physician to get you on the path to looking and feeling your best!

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We as physicians normally refer cases to the primary doctors but there cases that the patients can seek the opinion and treatment from other physicians.

Alan B. Brackup, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a tough question and something that is not easy no matter which role you are playing. Typically I refer patients back to their original surgeon. I do however also see consults with patients who are unhappy with a result from a prior procedure. Like other physicians have commented, I make sure to talk to the prior surgeon before I get involved and I charge a fee just like I would if I were doing the procedure for the first time. I also make sure that the patient is completely healed from their previous surgery before I will operate as well. Hope this helps.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you are unhappy with your results I would suggest to follow up with your original surgeon first. But yes you can undergo revision surgery.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems that you're unhappy with your results. To answer your one question, yes you can undergo corrective surgery with additional surgery.  I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of facelifts. I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your surgery and are realistic with expectations and results.I hope this helps answer your question.  If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

If you have lost confidence in your surgeon, I would recommend you tell this to another surgeon that you want to see. If you are still willing to allow your original surgeon to consider a revision, be rather blunt and let them know your concerns. Any surgeon wants to make their patients happy. If you are willing, give them a second chance. If you don't think they have the ability to give you the result you want, see a surgeon that specializes in facial rejuvenation.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Kevin Ende, MD · Answer

Keep trying, the majority of surgeons will see you after having surgery with someone else, but you should be prepared to pay both a consultation fee and a new fee for each procedure that you choose to have revised.  I would agree that if you are seeking this in the immediate postoperative period, then no one is going to perform revision surgery that soon.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

sorry about the problems you’ve had. I’m surprised you are unable to get a second opinion from another surgeon. I see patients who are unhappy with previous surgery commonly enough. Some I operate on and some I don’t. I’m surprised that doctors don’t even want to see you on consultation.

If you’ve lost trust with your surgeon, is it possible to consult with other doctors?

Answers (19)

More Facelift Questions

Is it really true that facelifts turn out worse if you've had laser treatment??

Do most (highly skilled) surgeons use before and after photo simulations for facelifts?

How many facelifts can one person have in their lifetime?

36 year old candidate for a facelift (jowls, fat underneath the chin and asymmetry) - What are your opinions? (photo)

Crepy skin @26. What do I do?

Would a face lift make me look look odd?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS