Is it normal for a doctor not to show before/after pictures?

Question

I just left my second consultation and I feel emotionally drained. I came with prepared q's. The doctor took the time to go through all of my questions. But he was unwilling to show before and after photos. I asked for more information about how my breasts will look, where will the Tt scar be located and he said you just have to be surprised. He can't make any guarantees. Is this normal? He only gives ibuprofen and paracetamol after surgery. He has 30 yrs experience and great reviews. Idk..:

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Most board certified plastic surgeons will have examples of their work for you to review.  It would be atypical not to have examples of your work.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is true that surgeons, in general, cannot guarantee anything in terms of results. This is even for the most tired and tested solutions. However, typically a predicted outcome can be provided. While this prediction is not 100% accurate, it should give you a good idea of what your results may look like.

You should also know that before and after photos are not a guarantee of how you may look after surgery as well. Ultimately, you should let your instinct guide you.

You should also know that before and after photos are not a guarantee of how you may look after surgery as well. Ultimately, you should let your instinct guide you.

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a reasonable concern. You should feel comfortable with the surgeon you decide to have surgery with. This starts from the moment you walk into their office and meet with your doctor and staff. Surgery is a big decision, and your surgeon should discuss any questions and concerns you may have beyond the ones you have prepared beforehand. Sometimes, surgeons do not have consent from other patients to show photos, or cannot share photos for other reasons. It is important for surgeons to manage expectations, and it is often hard to make 100% promises or guarantees. Bottom line is that you should be feeling good and confident in your surgeon (not drained). Hope this helps!

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,

And thank you for the question.

It is definitely normal to ask the Plastic Surgeon for their before and after photos.  
It may be also helpful to speak to some of his patients who underwent similar procedure if photos are not available.

I hope this helps.
Good luck!

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Exciting75650,finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is almost a rule to present some of surgeons before and after photos to a patient either on the website or during in office visit (photo album). Surgeon who is not willing to openly show his results and who is not disclosing information about scar placement, shape and size change,  is someone who should not be trusted. Consultation with 2 more surgeons would be helpful and give you better idea where to go for your surgery. Hope this helps.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! While I don't have a photobook in office like I used to, my patients rely heavily on photos on the website, social media, etc. I would suggest asking again or maybe even getting a second opinion. The last thing you want is a surprise with scarring, results, etc. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When planning surgery it is very important that you feel comfortable and confident in your surgeon and surgical plan.  This is the person you will need to discuss your surgical goals with, as well as any concerns you may have after surgery.  In my practice we share before/after photos of past patients with their consent.  This helps potential patients during the implant selection process as well as allows them to feel confident in what they can expect.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

if you are concerned about his skills or judgements, then go talk to another surgeon or go back to your first. You could check his website for photos as well.