Do I have to disclose to a GP in another province that I had a rhinoplasty years ago?

Question

Must I disclose a rhinoplasty to a new (diff. province) GP? if I disclose it, I worry I won’t be taken seriously, or treated as vain and vapid. It healed perfectly, neither improved nor worsened existing issues. Functionally, I remained the same. I would tell an ENT of course but prefer not to a GP as long as they didn’t care/don’t need to know. If GP finds out, will they be upset? If so, I would rather disclose, but as a woman I’m already dismissed too frequently. Pls help with risk/benefit.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.I think that you shouldn't hide it from your GP since it is a record he needs to have. 
Best regards!

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

First off, I'm sorry to hear that you've been dismissed at all by any medical professional. That should never happen to anyone for any reason.

Second, if you don't feel comfortable disclosing health-related information to your GP, then that GP is not right for you. They may be perfectly great for someone else, but they aren't a good match for you.

I don't think there's anything particularly hurtful by your failure to disclose a rhinoplasty to your GP. I can't imagine a scenario a GP would be contending with (without outside consultation) in which your rhinoplasty surgery would have any impact.

I strongly feel you need to find a GP that you can be 100% open with as this can only lead to a positive relationship between you and your GP and will hopefully allow you to heal and trust the medical community who is here to help you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Largely this is important because if you had an uneventful surgery insofar as anesthesia and bleeding goes, this would be a favorable sign in case if you need other surgery in the future. If you are self-conscious about using the word rhinoplasty, you can always say that you had your broken nose and deviated nasal septum fixed. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I honestly think your GP won’t care or judge you either way. Do what your comfortable as far as telling your GP about it. I’m sure you’re not the first patient your GP has seen who has had cosmetic surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

If you have a new physician that is suppose to take care of your owerall health, it would be wise to disclose every detail about your medical and surgical history, including cosmetic surgery. However, that is not obligatory. Hope this helps.

Do I have to disclose to a GP in another province that I had a rhinoplasty years ago?

Answers (5)