I met with a plastic surgeon who works in a busy well known hospital. I consulted about a MM & asked if I could see some photos of his previous work. He stated that they just do not show photos of the work they do there to protect their clients privacy. I do understand but still feel nervous to go forward without seeing several photos of his work. (Only 2 photos online) I asked if I could get a past referral but the office seemed to hurry me out the door again. Any recommendations or advice?
Answer: Nervous About Surgeon’s Lack of Before/After Photographs Thank you very much for your question. Part of the consultation process should include looking at a large variety of a surgeon’s before and after photographs. This not only helps to give patients a better idea of what to expect as potential results from their desired procedure, but it also provides an important glimpse into the surgical style and skill of the surgeon. If a doctor does not have many before and after pictures to show, chances are they do not have enough experience - or enough satisfied patients - for a larger portfolio. This is a red flag. Go with your gut, and if the lack of photographs makes you nervous, then I recommend scheduling a second consultation appointment with another board certified surgeon in your area. This is an important procedure, so only choose the best plastic surgeon available.
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Answer: Nervous About Surgeon’s Lack of Before/After Photographs Thank you very much for your question. Part of the consultation process should include looking at a large variety of a surgeon’s before and after photographs. This not only helps to give patients a better idea of what to expect as potential results from their desired procedure, but it also provides an important glimpse into the surgical style and skill of the surgeon. If a doctor does not have many before and after pictures to show, chances are they do not have enough experience - or enough satisfied patients - for a larger portfolio. This is a red flag. Go with your gut, and if the lack of photographs makes you nervous, then I recommend scheduling a second consultation appointment with another board certified surgeon in your area. This is an important procedure, so only choose the best plastic surgeon available.
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May 16, 2017
Answer: Concerned after consultation If no photos are available, ask to speak to past patients about their experiences. Since you felt rushed out the door and are nervous about the lack of photos, this may be a sign that this is not the surgeon for you. If you felt comfortable with the consultation in every other way, try reaching out again to see if you can obtain patient referrals.
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May 16, 2017
Answer: Concerned after consultation If no photos are available, ask to speak to past patients about their experiences. Since you felt rushed out the door and are nervous about the lack of photos, this may be a sign that this is not the surgeon for you. If you felt comfortable with the consultation in every other way, try reaching out again to see if you can obtain patient referrals.
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May 6, 2017
Answer: Viewing Before and After Pictures of Mommy Makeover You are right to be concerned, it is easy to have patients sign a release that allows their pictures to be shown to prospective patients if they agree. Asking to speak with another patient is also something most surgeons are happy to arrange. Trust your instincts, see more Board Certified Plastic Surgeons until you find one you feel comfortable with! Good luck.
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May 6, 2017
Answer: Viewing Before and After Pictures of Mommy Makeover You are right to be concerned, it is easy to have patients sign a release that allows their pictures to be shown to prospective patients if they agree. Asking to speak with another patient is also something most surgeons are happy to arrange. Trust your instincts, see more Board Certified Plastic Surgeons until you find one you feel comfortable with! Good luck.
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May 3, 2017
Answer: Concern about lack of pre/post op photos Thank you for your question. This would be a source of worry as most surgeons have patient's who would happily share their results either by photos, a written recommendation or to speak with prospective patients. The bottom line is you have to have trust in your surgeon. I suggest you do more research and listen to your intuition. Best wishes, Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS
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May 3, 2017
Answer: Concern about lack of pre/post op photos Thank you for your question. This would be a source of worry as most surgeons have patient's who would happily share their results either by photos, a written recommendation or to speak with prospective patients. The bottom line is you have to have trust in your surgeon. I suggest you do more research and listen to your intuition. Best wishes, Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS
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May 2, 2017
Answer: Before and after photos Thanks for your inquiry. I have a tough time answering this question because I know every surgeon manages his/her practice differently. 1) Pictures are important to understand scar location, contour, and expectations 2) If a patient asks for a past referral/patient to speak to--in my office we would facilitate that conversation and is not an unreasonable request 3) if you have reservations about proceeding please revisit your concerns with your surgeon and explain this important to you, good luck.
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May 2, 2017
Answer: Before and after photos Thanks for your inquiry. I have a tough time answering this question because I know every surgeon manages his/her practice differently. 1) Pictures are important to understand scar location, contour, and expectations 2) If a patient asks for a past referral/patient to speak to--in my office we would facilitate that conversation and is not an unreasonable request 3) if you have reservations about proceeding please revisit your concerns with your surgeon and explain this important to you, good luck.
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