Does every doctor make it mandatory to sign waiver/consent forms prior to breast augmentation? Is it the law?

Thanks for this question. Consent forms are routine in every practice and are required to be filled out before every procedure, especially major surgery. Consent forms educate patients about the risks of surgery the potential outcomes. It sounds to me like you need more education and may not be ready for surgery at this point. Perhaps you need to have more consultations or do more research about breast implants. The FDA has several downloads for education on breast implants you can read at home. Best, Dr. Aldo

the waiver just says that you trust your doctor to do the right thing and if there is unforseen problems to do what is in your best interest.  It says you understand bad things can happen and there are risks but does not absolve them from responisblity if the doctor performs malpractice.  I do not think any doctor would or should operate on you without signing the form.

Thank you for your question and I understand your concern.  Consent documentation is very important indicating that you are fully aware of the risks of your particular procedure.  Best to take time to read your consent carefully and make sure you address all of your concerns with your surgeon before undergoing any surgical procedure.  Best of luck.

Consent forms for surgery are necessary to make clear that your doctor has discussed the procedure in detail with you including potential risks and complications. You should have a comfort level that you understand what these are before signing the consent and therefore proceeding with surgery.

Thank you for
your question.

Gathering
informed-consent is a vital process of discussion and documentation that is
required whenever medical decision is made. The greater the risk revolving the
medical decision, the greater the need for documentation. Your surgeon may not
proceed with surgery without having you sign the consent forms.

Gathering
informed-consent is part of respecting the ethical principle of patient
autonomy that dictates that each patient has the right to make their own
medical decisions in line with their values, beliefs, and preferences, as long
as they are capable. Gathering informed-consent requires the patient to know
their current medical condition, the treatment options, the risks/benefits of
each treatment option, and the possible outcomes.  

Realistically,
informed consent is required for every single medical act such as ordering a
blood test, prescribing a pill, or doing a surgery. However, documentation
becomes important when the risk of harm is potentially higher, or when the
procedure requires great intrusion on the patient's body. The important point
here is that the surgery is elective, meaning that it is not medically
necessary, and if it is solely for cosmetic reasons, the need for documenting informed-consent
becomes crucial.

For example, if
you were enrolled in an experimental study that is testing a drug, then
you would have to provide informed-consent so that you are aware of the
benefits and risks of participating.

So, the forms you
are referring to are in place to document this informed-consent process, and serve
as evidence for the fact that you knew of all the risks and complications
related to the surgery, the anesthesia, etcetera heading into surgery.

Please know that
the waiver does not give your surgeon right do whatever they please, but only
do that which is in your best interests. This could include filling in more
volume in the implants to achieve symmetry, or using a different incision when
there is danger of encountering sensitive nerves and tissues, etc. If they harm
you, and have done something that a competent doctor in the same position would
not have done, then they can still be held liable and this act would come under
medical negligence. So please understand that you are only giving your surgeon
authority to act in your best interests and nothing else.

Hope this helps.

Consent forms are required for all patients that are going to have a surgical procedure.  The information in these forms educate patients of the possible complications that can occur with a surgery.  Ideally you should review these forms and take time to ask questions of your physician to make sure you are well informed regarding risks and benefits of having a surgical procedure.