Surgeon won't see me anymore at 4 months post-op - is this normal?

Question

Hi There! At my 4mos post op appt. my Dr. told me he would no longer be seeing me. I paid 20K for this surgery. I never felt welcomed,I was amazed at how catty & immature his staff was. That's beside the point. He's a well known Dr.here.Why would be say this? Now I'll be seen on an "as needed basis" if probs arise. I won't be having a 1yr post op appt.for my final results! Is this normal because I find it absurd! VERY unhappy!This was a revolving door situation!

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to here that you're having a negative experience with your surgeon. I would recommend that you reach out to your surgeon and have a discussion regarding your feelings about what was said and how you feel you were treated. It's very likely that your surgeon will do everything in their power to remedy the relationship.

Without being there, there's no way to distinctly explain what went on from a surgeon's perspective.

Without being there, there's no way to distinctly explain what went on from a surgeon's perspective.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi PB,

A rhinoplasty surgeon who will not see a patient past the 4 month post-op is not meeting the usual standard of care of the rhinoplasty community.  Rhinoplasty heals over time and continues over months as well as years.  Expert rhinoplasty surgeons want to see their patients at 6 and 12 months post-op to make sure their patient is healing properly, to take post op photos, and to see how the technique that was used on the individual patient worked out.  Perhaps there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding but I have never heard of this post rhinoplasty abandonment by a rhinoplasty surgeon.  Speak with your surgeon.  Good luck and be well.

Michael Persky, MD

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We like to see all of our patients five times within the first year of surgery since it takes a full year for healing to be completed after rhinoplasty. Based on your narrative, your surgeon agreed to see you as needed. If any issues arise, you can certainly request to be seen and in any case, you can schedule an anniversary visit to look at your before and after photos. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The important thing is whether you are happy with your result. If you are, there is no reason to be seen after four months. However the as needed basis indicates that if there is a problem you could go back. Behavior of staff like that however is inexcusable

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.Usually your surgeon should schedule you in for post-op check-up after the surgery. It is really important to see how you healed and if everything is ok with your scar, with the cartilage, breathing, ... so if there is anything going wrong your doctor should notice it early.

Surgeon won't see me anymore at 4 months post-op - is this normal?

Answers (5)