can you change surgeons after a procedure- having bad experience with surgeon/practice pre and post surgery thanks

It is important to choose a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to match your #facelift goals and skin type with the appropriate surgical techniques.Also, its best to work with a #board #certified plastic surgeon who is highly trained with your desired procedures. I also encourage you to look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients. Also, reading patient reviews of those who have had combined surgeries will be beneficial. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

It is your health, so yes, you can change physicians anytime you want. You need to do what is best for you. I would recommend seeing someone who specializes in facial rejuvenation.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa

Thanks for your post. Yes, it is possible to change surgeons; however, I would first try to obtain an explanation from your surgeon regarding the recent poor communication. While it's hard to say without more information, there may have been extenuating circumstances. Just in case you end up remaining dissatisfied with your current surgeon, I would suggest contacting other plastic surgery offices in your area to inquire whether the surgeons would be willing to manage your present concerns. Sorry you are in this position. Best of luck!

It is always possible to change surgeons; remember, this is elective cosmetic surgery and you are in control of who operates and who follows you.  Usually this is the same surgeon.  It may be that your surgeon is out-of-town and has another surgeon covering him or her.  However, if this is not the case, and your surgeon is not returning your calls, a visit to one of his or her colleagues will likely get you a prompt response.

Hello Bernadette 12,I am sorry to hear about your poor post operative experience.  While it is always best to stay with your original surgeon during the initial recovery process, if you are not being taken care of appropriately then it is acceptable and advisable to seek out the advice of another surgeon.  Because that new surgeon will not be aware of what took place in the operating room, you will have to release your medical records from your first surgeon to your second so he or she can get a better idea of what is going on.  The other drawback is you will likely have a new fee to see the second surgeon whereas your post treatment care is usually covered by the original surgical fee.  I would recommend you contact your surgeon one more time and let him or her know your frustrations and that you are actively seeking another surgeon.  If you still aren't getting the response you want, then that would be a good time to schedule the consultation with another surgeon.  I would recommend seeing a facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon who also does a lot of facelifts.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

This is a very serious concern.  I would call the surgeon's office and speak to the practice manager or surgeon and express your concerns with your experience.  The surgeon may not even know about your concerns because of disorganization in the front office.   If you feel that even after that conversation, your concerns are not being adequately addressed, I would seek an experienced facelift surgeon in your area to help you with your post-operative course.   Wish you the best!

Dear bernadette12, I would suggest seeking a copy of your records from this surgeons office and with the request for records also write down your recent experience, lack of post-operative care and abandonment by your surgeon, and find another surgeon to help hold your hand through your recovery. While it is not common practice to take care of another surgeons patient this soon in the recovery phase it can happen and most surgeons will open their doors to help a patient in need. I usually end up taking care of patients who have had surgery in another country and have had a complication and can't return to their surgeon however my door is always open and I try to help any patient who comes through it. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

You certainly have a right to change physicians at any time. However, it may be difficult to find a surgeon to assume your care a short time after a complicated surgery. I would send an urgent letter via registered mail to make sure that your doctor is aware of your problems.