Should a person consider getting cosmetic surgery from a doctor who presents pictures that show imperfect results?

Question

I am considering surgery by a doctor that has good reviews/reputation and I haven’t heard any bad. He has some good accolades also. However on his website he displays pictures of scarring that does not look good. For example keloiding and uneven surface at the scar intersection point. Should a person ever get cosmetic surgery from a doctor who presents pictures that show imperfect results? Or would you respect it since not everyone has perfect results?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether to trust a surgeon who presents pictures of imperfect results. It’s a thoughtful question, and there are a few important factors to consider when evaluating a surgeon’s portfolio.

First, it’s important to recognize that not every patient will achieve perfect results, no matter how skilled the surgeon. Scarring, keloiding, and uneven skin texture can be influenced by individual factors like a patient’s skin type, genetics, and healing ability. A surgeon who is transparent about a range of outcomes, including imperfections, is showing an honest representation of their work. This can be a sign of integrity and professionalism, as they’re not cherry-picking only the best cases.

That said, it’s also essential to understand that your own results are likely to be similar to what is shown in the photos. If a surgeon consistently shows certain types of scars or healing patterns, you should expect that your results may follow a similar path, based on your individual healing process. If most of the results appear acceptable to you, that can be reassuring, but if the outcomes seem concerning, it’s worth considering how you’d feel if your own results were similar.

Ultimately, look at the overall pattern of the surgeon’s results. If the majority of cases show excellent outcomes and only a few show minor imperfections, it’s more likely these are individual healing variations rather than surgical issues. However, you should feel confident not only in the surgeon’s skill but also in your expectations being aligned with the results you see.

I recommend having an open discussion with the surgeon during your consultation to address your concerns and better understand their approach to managing scarring and other potential outcomes.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Selecting a plastic surgeon is all up to personal preference. At the minimum, you should look for a surgeon who is board certified and working at an accredited facility. All surgeons are likely to have results that are not ideal which can be due to a number of factors; however, it is based on how comfortable you are. If you are on the fence between surgeons, I recommend having multiple consultations to find which is right for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 000Jp000,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

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. If the photos that your surgeons present are not satisfactory, don't go ahead with the procedure. The pictures are an important element in deciding your surgery. Anyway, consider that the doctor regularly takes pictures immediately after the surgery, and the final results take months. If you are not comfortable with your doctor, don't go ahead with the operation and find a second opinion. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

All surgeons have had patients who do not scar well and some who make keloids. this is related to their skin. Your surgeon sounds like he is being honest.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Great question.
Every experienced surgeon has complications and scars that aren't as nice as we'd like.  The outcome of scars also depends on the patient's skin, however, if all of the photos show bad scarring that may be of concern.   
It would be reasonable to ask the surgeon if he thinks these scars are good or not good and if he expects your scars to be the same or better.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Selecting the right surgeon for you is an important and complex process.  Begin with your basic requirements, such as being board certified and operating in an accredited facility.  You also want to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in what your surgeon says during your consultation.  Part of that is having open communication.  If you love the surgeon for all other reasons except concerns in the photos, then ask her/him about it.  If you cannot speak openly with your surgeon now, then you would likely have difficulties if you have questions after your surgery.

Should a person consider getting cosmetic surgery from a doctor who presents pictures that show imperfect results?

Answers (7)

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