Does a Doctor Need to See Previous Medical Records Before Performing a Revision Rhinoplasty?

Records of previous surgery is not always helpful but it can be of use if there is ever a question about what type of implant was used

Hi Sharpie,

I am sorry that you did not have a good experience with your recent consultation.

It is generally a great idea to obtain and review the previous surgeon's operative reports. This is done to  plan appropriately. It also saves time and can dramatically improve your results.

You probably should get your reports no matter who does the evaluation or your revision surgery.

Consider obtaining more consultations before deciding on the surgeon for your revision procedure.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Sajjadian

 

 

Although not absolutely essential, it is very important to know what was done on the nose or chin prior to operating on this. It is not unlike having to remodel a room without the blueprints.

When a patient requires Revision Rhinoplasty, I will try to obtain the previous operative report to see what was done to the underlying bone and cartilage. These reports can be misleading, or incomplete, so they're not always helpful. As an example, I did a Revision Rhinoplasty this week that involved removal of a crooked tip graft. There was no mention of the shield graft in the patient's operative report.

Revision Rhinoplasty surgeries are some of the most challenging, and humbling procedures, so we as surgeons like to get as much information as possible before the revision.

I hope this is helpful for you.

It is not mandatory, but is always best for your revision rhinoplasty surgeon to know what techniques were performed and how much cartilage was removed during your primary rhinoplasty. 

Before doing any revision for any surgery the Doctor need ALL the information before the surgery, you do not want any surprises during surgery.

If you call some one ro repair your airconditioner they will tell you just to come to you there is a charge.

So for your doctor to charge for a consult is not unusual for any proffession

The best approach to a revision rhinoplasty involves as complete a picture of the nose as possible.  A request for the medical records is a good idea. It may give the surgeon an idea of the likelihood of success in a revision procedure.

It seem you saw that doctor on a bad day because as a surgeon, it is our duty to provide information which help you make an informed decision in a difficult situation.  Especially when one is charging for a visit, it should be as comprehensive as possible.  Without seeing your  nose, it is difficult to say what made the doctor respond in this manner.  I suspect that he has a good reputation with rhinoplasty because one could not survive very long with such an attitude.charging $250 for a consult.   If that is the case, then he likely has significant experience and may have seen a difficult problem to solve.  He did ask to see records which is important and appropriate in this setting.  I hope that this unfortunate experience has provided you with information on how to get the most of r your  next consult.  An accurate history of any previous surgery and medical issues along with any medications and allergies are some of the most important facts that a surgeon uses to help evaluate your needs.  I would normally  keep the initial visit short and waive the fee for a second visit with proper records if it was that important.  It is easier to charm a patient to proceed with surgery but it is our duty to do the most that we can in preparation for your case.  Especially in any secondary operation.  Good Luck 

It is always helpful to have as much information as possible.  Getting a previous op report is one of the things that helps with the planning.  You should not be rushed during your consult, go to a different doctor to get your questions answered.

Hi Sharpie,

Sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with your consultation. Many surgeons would like to see previous medical records and operative reports to get a specific idea of what was done during your previous surgery. This can sometimes help in planning your proposed revision in terms of what cartilage might be available, details about grafts or implants used, etc.

We will certainly look at previous Op Reports if you have access to them but we do not absolutely require them. The reports are sometimes incomplete and not always helpful. Much of what has happened to your nose and what will need to be done to fix it can be determined with a thorough examination.

Whomever you choose for your revision, you should feel absolutely comfortable and understand what specifically will be done to achieve your goals.