Is it normal for doctors to make recommendations during consultations or would they ask me to specify?

Question

I know I am unhappy with my facial appearance but not sure exactly which treatment shall best improve my ascetics. Is it normal for a Dr to make recommendations during consultations or would they ask me to specify? Sorry if it seems a silly question.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"I suggest reaching out to an expert for a formal consultation. I like to recommend my patients start a combination of facial rejuvenation treatments.

1) Skincare with products and microneedling/PRP
2) PDT Light Therapy a few times per month with growth factors
3) Laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant regularly and others (Fraxel, Moxi, Viva, CO2, Erbium, Halo) a few times per year
4) Sculptra injections a few times per year for collagen production with fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and/or Bellafill
5) Thermage/Ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone-based Instalift threads for lifting
6) Botox every 2 to 3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest

Best, Dr. Emer."

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

But sometimes, as you cite, the exact source of dissatisfaction may not be clear. We certainly do make suggestions during a consultation. Thanks! Dr Joseph

Cory Bovenzi, MD · Answer

I always ask patients what their goals are and if asked I will provide my opinion if they are unsure of what areas are their specific concern. I imagine many physicians have the same approach.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It is not a silly question at all . In fact, it is a very common scenario in active cosmetic practices is for patients to ask the doctor to make recommendations for cosmetic treatments. However, there is a principle taught early on in a doctor's training that states, "First do no harm."  So, if the doctor points out a particular cosmetic issue that perhaps had not come to the attention of that person beforehand, it is very possible that the individual may then begin to fixate on that issue--i.e. on something that hadn't been an issue before. That, in my opinion, would then constitute doing harm. If, however, the individual FIRST specifies the particular aesthetic issues that bother him/her, the doctor is then free to discuss his/her recommendation(s) for treating those issues. That would not constitute doing harm, and that would be no different that if someone came to a primary care physician complaining of sore throat, whereby in would be perfectly within the doctor's role to suggest the various treatments for the sore throat. Hope this helps.

Irena Kovacheva, MD · Answer

Better for the doctors to let you say first what your concerns are without influencing you.After that they can suggest best treatment plan for you and give their feedback

Cassie Nghiem, MD · Answer

I think both are normal. You can certainly come into a consultation with a very specific request in mind. However, it's perfectly find to enter a consult to ask for advice. Many plastic surgeons are happy to give their opinion on how to improve facial symmetry or aesthetics.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

You actually bring up a great point with your question. It can be difficult at times to put into words what we feel when we experience things. Whether it's something we hear or taste or smell, we react and know how we feel, but we don't always know why we feel that way, and putting that into words can be different. To take that another step - how to do something about it - our facial appearance - can be exponentially more difficult. First, just remember, you aren't the surgeon, so you aren't expected to know what to do in every situation. Second, opinions and options vary between surgeons, so there's not always one ideal way of going about to remedy the situation.
So, meet with a surgeon experienced in facial plastic surgery and express what you feel, and if you can, why you feel that way. The surgeon should be able to guide you through this journey and bring out concerns and educate you. The surgeon will be able to perform a facial assessment and know what it's "ideal" (whatever that means) and may suggest and better put into words what you're having trouble articulating. 
Once you've developed a common and understandable language about your concerns, your surgeon may provide options to address those concerns. They may range from doing nothing at all, to skin care, to non-surgical options, to surgical options. Just remember that it's all elective. So, only proceed when YOU feel comfortable and happy with your choice. Best of luck on your journey!
~Dr. Spalla

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The correct answer is yes to both!  Your injector should discuss what concerns you and what you'd like to improve.  Your injector should also give her/his opinion on what may be best to address your concerns as well as anything else that is noted.  Together you can decide how best to approach your treatment.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

An ethical plastic surgeon should not tell you what you should do to your face or body without you being able to point what it is that you are not happy with. I hope the selfish and good luck from you soon plastic surgery.

Is it normal for doctors to make recommendations during consultations or would they ask me to specify?

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