Malpractice or revision questions okay to ask?

Question

After consultation I was given a phone call to inform me I was a hard case for the Dr. I chose and he won't work on me. I am wondering since he didn't even see me personally could it be possible I got denied of making my dreams come true because I asked those sensitive questions? I just wanted to make sure I was in safe hands and security about my decision. Or am I really that "deformed"? I don't even know what to do considering he is the best in my town IMO.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

As other surgeons have suggested, this may be more an issue of your surgical expectations, as opposed to your questions being difficult. I am sorry that you have had this experience but it this could be a sign that it is a good time to reflect on your surgical expectations.  No surgeon wants to disappoint a patient. If the surgeon feels that there is more than a small chance of not satisfying your wishes, he may opt out of performing the surgery.Most surgeons are comfortable with answering all questions, no matter how tough they are.  We are always happy to get these questions before the surgery , rather than after.  In the same capacity, it makes you a better informed patient and helps you formulate your expectations. Having said this, is is possible that this surgeon felt that your expectations would be too hard to meet.  We can absolutely make aesthetic improvements to most patients, but sometimes we are limited as to what we can safely accomplish.  Good luck and I am sure that you will be able to proceed in the future.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Heather26,  As a patient seeking information about a procedure, you have every right to ask your surgeon "sensitive" questions including questions regarding revisions and malpractice. However, this is elective cosmetic surgery and the surgeon has every right to choose not to operate on a patient as well. Reasons may vary, but if the surgeon does not feel that the doctor-patient relationship is a good fit, then you would be better served to find another surgeon that is a better fit for both of you. Good luck. #Dr. Gervais

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

I guess the theme of the responses are in agreement that we really do not know what happened. Pictures of you may help but really you just need to seek out another opinion in person. Good Luck!

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

It is hard to answer your question since it is not clear what your specific concern is relating to your consultation or what specific questions were raised. Certainly for elective cosmetic cases, doctors are not obligated to treat everyone. On the other hand, an honest consultation would have required a face-to-face exam and discussion with your surgeon, not with a surgical consultant, or nurse. For that reason alone, I would completely discount your consultation and not place any credence to any "conclusion." Although you might or might not be a "hard" case, do yourself a favor and get a real face-to-face consultation. Robin T.W. Yuan, M. D.

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

Without knowing any details, I can not imagine why you would consider this a case of malpractice. A physician of any specialty is not  forced into a patient-physcian relationship. The PS  felt he could not do/achieve the result you want and he was  honest to tell you so.

Grady B. Core, MD · Answer

I think it is fine to ask question about "revision" but I would recommend not mentioning the "M word" as it could identify you as someone who might possibly be litigious. Many people do not understand that just because something might need a revision it does not necessarily mean that it is the doctor's fault.Such things as smoking, infection, and other things that interfere with healing can make the best of procedures go south. Most surgeons have a policy about revision and it is reasonable to ask and should not offend. There are many fine plastic surgeons who will be happy to see you so your dreams can still become a reality. Be sure the surgeon you choose is board certified, experienced in the procedure you are seeking, and recommended by others word of mouth.

Michael Zarrabi, MD · Answer

I agree with all the answers below. You should feel comfortable asking any question that relates to your care. These can include sensitive questions. It's ok to ask the surgeon if they have ever been in a malpractice case. It's also ok to ask if they have ever had to do a revision surgery on their own surgery. I would also ask how revisions are handled financially. I would go to the American board of plastic surgery website or plasticsurgery.org and search for another plastic surgeon near your home. Good luck in your quest.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am not sure if I understand your question correctly but patients should feel free to ask whatever “sensitive questions” they have on their minds. After all, these are elective operations that patients should feel comfortable about, before proceeding.  On the other hand, as plastic surgeons, we are (or at least should be) careful to select our patients carefully as well. Sometimes, after consultation, there simply is not a good “fit” between surgeon and physician. I would suggest that you continue to do your due diligence, keep asking questions, and select your plastic surgeon carefully. Best wishes.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

I agree totally with the two answers that you have already recieved on this site.  Both patient and surgeon must do their best to make sure it is a good fit before proceeding with surgery.Dr. Corbin

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Since you have given us absolutely no details it would be hard to answer your question. I suspect there is a reason you haven't provided details and if you think about that you will know why the surgeon declined to give you care. We all try very hard to avoid operating on a patient that will be difficult to satisfy.

Malpractice or revision questions okay to ask?

Answers (11)

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