Are plastic surgeons required to track and share performance metrics?

Question

I have been to two plastic surgery consultations for breast augmentation surgery. One shared a complication rate of 2.9%. The other said he is too busy with patient care to track metrics but in general risk is low. What is the industry standard or best practice? Should I walk away from a surgeon that doesn’t have data (or won’t share it)? Thanks!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Terrific121959,
this is practice dependent. Most plastic surgeons keep track of complications rate. Finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I think that it might be difficult to give an accurate answer to that question as I'm sure the number is constantly changing. I think you should base your decision off your level of comfort, reviews, B&A photos, board certifications, etc. I do not think that performance metrics are critical in the decision-making process. Good luck!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on doing your due diligence. There is no mandatory metric requirement nor are there any statutes requiring surgeons to share any such data. Ultimately, your decision to have surgery, and selecting your surgeon, is based on your research, and your gut feeling as to whether or not your plastic surgeon has earned your trust. Before and After photo galleries, reviews, your interaction with your surgeon and his or her office staff all go into the decision making. Ultimately your decision is a leap of faith.

You can derive some comfort in knowing that if your plastic surgeon is board certified, he or she have gone through a rigorous training process such that they have met the strict requirements set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in order to qualify a plastic surgeon as “Board Certified”.

Do your research. Be open to more than one consultation before you schedule your surgery. Best of luck to you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Collecting data does take time and can be difficult to obtain, especially if the software system used does not collect the data well.  I would suggest looking at the surgeon's photos and ask questions. If you are uncomfortable with his/her answers, then meet with another physician.

Are plastic surgeons required to track and share performance metrics?

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