Lie to rhinoplasty surgeon about the date of my last surgery?

Question

If I lie about the date of when I last had rhinoplasty to a revision surgeon will they find out? For example, if I had surgery 8 months ago, but I say that I had surgery 12 months ago will they find out? Some surgeons won't perform revisions until a year has passed, even if the swelling is gone. I can't wait a year and I will take full responsibility for the lie. But how would they really know when I last had surgery for sure?

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your note.  I think as a general rule, that misleading someone is a cataclysmic mistake.  Lying to someone who is operating on you even more, and someone who is expecting one thing when they start your surgery even more.Honesty is the best policy and remember that while you may think you need surgery now, you will be surprised how much better your nose will look after one year.I hope that you haven't taken me wrong, but it's always better to be honest with your Facial Plastic Surgeon.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The biggest problem with lying to your surgeon is that it could irreparable harm to yourself especially if the surgery is more difficult and a complication occurs. Revision rhinoplasty is a technically challenging procedure and it is best to have your tissues in the best shape possible and a year is commonly accepted guideline.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

There is no value in anything but the truth in a patient-physician relationship.  The only thing this scenario would show is that you feel it is appropriate to have a revision at 8 months despite the fact that your Surgeon feels that 12 months is better.  You are incorrect to make this assumption and it could jeopardize your outcome. I have read your other posts and you seem to be the type of patient that most of us would like to avoid.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't think you should ever lie. It would certainly not be to your benefit. If you have a had a open rhinoplasty in the last 8 months, I can assure you that all of the swelling has not resolved yet. In addition, the tissues will not be as compliant ( soft) as the should ideally be for surgery.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking this extremely important question. Lying to your surgeon is never a good idea. If the surgeon is skilled, and performs a detailed analysis of your nose, you must let him/her assess whether it is too soon to perform a surgery. If the surgeon does not detect that you lied once you are in surgery, your lie can affect the results, because the substructures will be judged as not having any swelling present and your situation could be overcorrected. Surgery is a team effort between you and your surgeon. You must both have faith in the other. This is a sacred relationship, and should not be built on a lie. The same holds true for lying about smoking, or lying about taking recreational drugs, etc. We are here to help you -- but we need your help to do so. Thank you, and I wish you the best in your surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, your surgeon would most likely figure out  at the time of the surgery that you're  scar tissue is still immature and healing. It's best to be very open and  on last with your surgeon just like you want your surgeon to be honest with you. Performing a revision rhinoplasty on your nose while it is still in the maturation process only to further complicating healing issues

Sean Freeman, MD · Answer

Chl0eM, My god what would be the point of trying to mislead your surgeon?? Should you do so you have no one but yourself to blame if things do not turn out well. If you seek the advice of an experienced specialist and then mislead them then I'm sorry but you are being a fool. Good luck!

Harry V. Wright, MD · Answer

It's never a good policy to lie to your doctor.  During your consultation with him/her you found that you felt comfortable and are willing to progress with revision surgery based on that interaction.  We surgeons also need to feel comfortable about the patients we're considering treating -- that they have realistic expectations, understand completely what is involved in the recovery process, and are being honest and forthright about their history.  You're placing that trust in serious jeopardy by lying about your surgical history.And if you have a bad outcome, who will you blame?

Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD · Answer

First, finding out would be as easy as looking at your previous medical notes, which every surgeon would certainly do. Second, it would be very silly to go against the advice of your doctor thinking this would not result in further, potentially bigger problems. Third, no matter how silly this is, you are not the first patient considering this strategy and experienced surgeons are very skilled at investigating potential lies. Once they find out, they would inevitably turn you down for the procedure, no matter if now or in ten years time...

Lie to rhinoplasty surgeon about the date of my last surgery?

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