Why do I need a psych evaluation before revision surgery? (Photo)

Question

I’m having liposuction revision surgery with the same doctor that performed the first one. However, the doctors office insists, I have a psychological evaluation before even booking my revision appointment. Why is that?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Revision liposuction, if that is the only surgical maneuver being performed, will not give you a flat abdominal contour. As I mentioned in a previous post of yours, you have relative skin excess, manifested as horizontal slit belly button, and scar tissue. This will not resolve by more fat being removed. The surgeon who did this to you has shown poor aesthetic judgement and surgical skill. Do you not see this? I think you do otherwise you wouldn't bother posting on Realself. Are you going back to him because you're being told it just requires more liposuction? Or, the surgery is free? You are going from out of the pan and into the fire. Please see a few ABPS certified surgeons who are expert in body contouring.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. I'm not sure what transpired verbally between your surgeon and you, for the practice to demand a psych evaluation, but I am sure that your surgeon needs to go back to "surgery school". This is a very poor outcome (saw your preop photo from a previous post). It is imperative to choose a board certified plastic surgeon for your body cosmetic surgeries and not just a surgeon who calls himself/herself a cosmetic surgeon. Personally, I would not go back to your initial surgeon for a revision due to the risk of getting a more botched result, even if the surgery is offered for free. See a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body sculpting surgery for an in person consultation/evaluation. Liposuction surgery is viewed as an easy procedure by surgeons and non-surgeons who dabble in this, which is the furthest from the truth. It takes detailed training and experience to produce natural unoperated results. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This is something that your surgeon will need to answer.  This is not a standard requirement, but may be the surgeon's preference.  She/He should be able to give you better insight.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not give enough information to determine why one is needed. However, your surgeon has seen or heard you say or do things that made him/her concerned.  Just go do it. You might learn something about yourself.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I have no idea why your provider is requesting a psychiatric evaluation.
Perhaps they are simply putting up roadblocks to prevent you from having revision surgery.
Maybe it’s your provider who needs a psychiatric evaluation?
Delivering consistent quality Liposuction results is more difficult than most people recognize.
The number of plastic surgeons who approach mastery of liposuction is in reality quite small.
As a general statement, revision surgery is technically more difficult than primary Liposuction.
Patients who have had obviously poorly done the previous Liposuction should think twice about having the same provider do revision and surgery.
Revision surgery can make things worse if the surgeon lacks sufficient skill and experience.
To make a quality assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgery procedure we generally need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Why do I need a psych evaluation before revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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