How do I obtain my operative report from my ps? How important is it to have when consulting for a tt/scar revision? (Photo)

Sorry to hear about your disappointment with your surgical results.  The operative report is part of your medical record that you are entitled to.  It is common practice for offices to provide records for patients.  The report is helpful for the next surgeon to review.  I would persist in your attempts to obtain your records. If your procedure was done at a hospital, the hospital will also have a copy of the operative report.  Good luck.

You can directly request a copy of your records from your Plastic Surgeon or else have the new plastic surgeon request them for you with your signed permission. The records are always helpful but not essential in most cases of simple scar revision.

You can have the plastic surgeon that is giving you a second opinion request the operative report from the first surgeon.  The dog ears can be corrected.  The lumpy scar and numbness are normal and cannot be corrected.

It looks like you have some minor cosmetic considerations post abdominoplasty that can be addressed with a second procedure. It looks from your photos that you have probably had a significant improvement. After you have a consultation with another plastic surgeon and sign a release the operative report will be obtained for consideration of any further treatment. How has your weight changed since surgery? I would like to see your pre procedure photos more then the operative report. Good luck from one Brooklynite to another....

Getting your operative report is key. About 25% of my surgeries are revisions from other surgeons, and it is critical to know what was done the first time....so that we can improve your results. There is often important information in the report such as amount of liposuction, type of sutures that were used, what was used for dressings, etc. All these help us figure out why your result is not the best it can be and what we can do different. You surgeon is required by law to provide medical records. You may have to request them in writing, but they cannot say "no".  I always advice people to be honest with their surgeon and let them know that you want a second opinion and your records are important. If you make it clear to him/her that you are not suing them, then they will probably be less resistant to providing the records. 

it is ALWAYS best to see if your original surgeon can 'take care of it' rather than seeking a second opinion.  In this competitive market, some surgeons thrive on criticizing other surgeons results.  The op report itself is not important if you're only worried about scars and skin excesses as they can usually be managed with a very straightforward revision.  But if you're not happy with your surgeon's responses, getting your report will tell them you're not happy and if convenient, simply go to the office and ask but be prepared to pay small fee to get them to copy it for you.  Always good to know what the revision policy is as it can save you anxious moments as you recover.

Thanks for youir question and sharing your photos.I'll address each of your concerns separately.The operative report is not too important, but if you want to get a copy of it, you may go in person and request it at your surgeon's office.  Alternately, you may see a second surgeon and ask them to request your OP Report.The numbness around the incision and the umbilicus may be permanent.  Occasionally, the nerves will grow back in further near the lower abdomen over the course of a year, but not too much more.  The lumpiness or looseness of the abdominal scar may be revised.  The "Dog Ears" may be fixed easlily with liposuction.Best of luck.Dr. Taranow

Very important. But you have a vast # of posts?? was not your surgery successful??? Appears you really needed weight loss prior to the surgery. Now with typical excess skin/fat complications. Plus your posted wish photos are not realistic outcome for you... 

As has been stated previously, the medical record (including the op. note) is your property, and you are entitled to it.  You can either approach your surgeon with a written request or you can approach the surgery center or hospital.  As long as the request is duly authorized by you, you MUST be given a copy.Regarding your options for treatment, it appears you need a resection of the dog ears (which will lengthen and flatten your incision) and possibly liposuction or resection of fat necrosis (can't tell which is appropriate based on photos).I would advise you to see a board-certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options.  Either you or he/she can request the needed medical records.

That's unfortunate that you are unable to obtain your medical records. By protocol your physician is obliged to provide you with your operative notes. Your new plastic surgeon would appreciate the records but it is not mandatory that he or she has them before you seek consultation.  Ask for the office manager.  Good luck to you.