Is it normal for your doctor to ask you to send pictures before your consultation?

Great question. With telehealth appointments now very common given the recent several years many practitioners now offer various forms of virtual appointments that may involve the plastic surgeon, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. One suggestion is asking for a chaperone during the photography or simply asking not to be photographed at the time... there is still value receiving information during the visit..

Thanks for your question!
It is not unusual for some practices to ask for photos pre appointment. This helps in preparing for your consultation. Photos will still be taken in the office if you choose to have surgery. Best wishes!

Hello,
Doctors may request photos ahead of time so they can review them prior to your consultation. At our office, we will take new photos with proper lighting, angles, and background at your consultation. It helps give an idea of what you are wanting to discuss.

Hello, thank you for your question. I think now a days with advanced secure portals and people unable to come in person, sending in photos prior to a consultation maybe an option. We also ask for photos to see if we can address their goals and make recommendations. Typically we never ask for face or identifiable photos. If it is something you feel uncomfortable with, you can just go in person and they do take pictures at the office as well. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Dear fizzybelini1,
every office has different procedures. Some ask their patients to send photos prior to examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

If you don’t want to go to in office consultation you need to sent pictures to have the virtual consultation, but if you already go to a in office consultation it’s not necessary to sent pictures, maybe that was a mistake between your case and other case

Photographs are usually taken at the time of consultation or at the preoperative visit. Some doctors may ask for photos before but this would be most common for a zoom consultation. Every doctor is different and protocols vary per practice.

I don't do this for patients coming for an in-person consultation, but it isn't that unusual of a request. I could see how having photographs in advance may help them prepare for the discussion (are you a candidate for just implants, or implants and a lift, do you have tuberous breasts, etc) and make appropriate time in their schedule for it. For me, it wouldn't forgo in office pictures, because I take these with standardized zoom, lighting, and background. I do request this for virtual consultations where I can't examine the patient in person, because it is typically more comfortable for the patient than taking their shirt off on Zoom!

Different surgeons work in different ways. Getting photos ahead of time may save time ahead if your consult. Also many surgeons do virtual consults since Covid. Your surgeon may have gotten used to requesting photo's ahead of time. Nothing weird about it

Great question. The answer is yes and no. I feel there is no need to ask for photos if the patient is only going in for a consultation. BUT, If the patient is traveling for surgery from out of state or maybe even another country, I feel it is best for to ask for photos and recent blood work before hand. This way once the patients travels the evaluation, quote and surgical plan is all set. This makes it easier to avoid surprises and not have to postpone the procedure and/or change the surgical plan last minute.

Best of luck,
Dr.Miguel Mota