Can I ask my prospective surgeon for more before and after photos or can surgeons only share photos that are on their website?

Question

I am considering a breast lift with no implants and I have found a great surgeon who is board certified and also a member of the aesthetic society for plastic surgery. His before and after photos are great, but the women have larger breasts than I do. Is it possible for a plastic surgeon to share more photos than what Is accesible online? Or are the photos on their website and realself all they can legally share with prospective patients? Thank you!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @lafe19, thank you for your question. Depending on the plastic surgeon's policies. If the surgeon has obtained the consent of the patient to show her before and after pictures. Sometimes, the consent is given so that the photos can be showed in his office, but not to post them online. So you can ask the plastic surgeon if he or she can show you more cases that relate to your case when you are in consult. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Generally speaking, surgeons may show you more before and after photos than what they have on their website as long as their patients’ privacy is respected. However, some surgeons may not have more photos to show you, so it’s best that you ask your surgeon.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi lafe19,
From an ethics/integrity perspective, I would never share photos of another patient unless I have their written consent to do so.
For me personally, I keep a physical photo book for use in consultations, that has patients at widely different starting points...while no one in the book will look exactly like you, the photos should give a good idea of expected results in a wide range of body types and styles.
Likely, your surgeon has additional photos that are not on the website/RS. I would suggest asking--not during the consult visit, but prior so that they can be prepared.
 Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

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. They then get to choose what looks right for them. 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 size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Of course you can ask to see more  pictures. If he comes up with some lame excuse as you mention in your question it’s not necessarily a red flag. But he should understand you want to see someone that looks like you

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lafe19,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

We all have significantly larger number of cases in our photo library than what is visible on the web side. You have right to ask your surgeon and his staff to show you cases which may be closer to your situation/problem. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons have more photos to share in the office, so just ask to see if you can see more photos. No photo can be shared unless the patient has given approval for this.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Most plastic surgeons have a release form included in their paperwork, allowing the physician to use pre and postoperative photos in their practice (without identifying the individual). Although there may be a sampling of photos on the internet, most surgeons have a much larger collection of photos in their office for viewing. 
Be sure to ask!
Best wishes...

Can I ask my prospective surgeon for more before and after photos or can surgeons only share photos that are on their website?

Answers (9)

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