Don’t bother if you’re an anxious patient

Updated review 26/07/2023

When I first met Dr Gupta for a consultation regarding Microlipo for my abdomen, I was impressed with his knowledge, kind manner and professionalism. I was suitable for this procedure and happy with the quote given, so I  agreed to go ahead but unfortunately it never happened for the reasons which I shall explain. My review is negative as I’m raising issues which I feel are disappointing and concerning. I’m not suggesting Dr Gupta is not a good surgeon and I have no doubt that he produces excellent results, as can be confirmed by the other reviews here.

Although I booked to go ahead with the procedure that Dr Gupta recommended, I was getting quite anxious about it and after doing some research I was concerned about the possibility of having a rare complication. Specifically blood clots or a pulmonary embolism which have occurred very rarely in patients having liposuction and this has sometimes resulted in fatalities. I do tend to worry about things and I like to know all the facts to help me assess possible risks. I sent quite a few emails to the patient coordinator who was always very quick to respond and would provide me with information and reassurance.

It was a few days before my procedure was due and after reading my latest emails, Dr Gupta rather abruptly and flippantly told me that he did not think I was ready to go ahead with the procedure. He stated that the procedure should only take place when a patient is well informed. However ironically I was seeking more information to help me become better informed by asking about the frequency of rare side effects. Dr Gupta did not offer to personally speak with me to address my concerns and I feel that it was unfair of him to just cancel my procedure like this because I was essentially just an anxious patient asking questions. The patient coordinator had informed me that these complications were not associated with Microlipo, but only with other types of liposuction and I was happy with that. I was left extremely disappointed and felt like I was just a statistic, he did not offer me another appointment and refunded my money. It seemed as though he could not be bothered with an anxious patient and wanted to cancel so he could get someone else in on the production line for the date that I booked.

They claim here to value their patients but I feel that Dr Gupta needs to improve his interpersonal skills in communicating with patients and look into their concerns. Having a cosmetic procedure is a big decision and I’m particularly careful when it comes to understanding the risks involved. I come from a medical background which helps me understand, but I feel he does have a nerve to then tell me that, “a patient should not be taking any risks they are unsure of”. It is his responsibility to inform me of these risks and their occurrences which is the information I was seeking to enable me to be sure of my decision. I’m now left having to find another surgeon and start the whole process all over again because Dr Gupta does not appear to have the time or patience for an anxious patient like myself.

On reflection there’s a few other things that concerned me with this clinic, although these were not enough to stop me from wanting the procedure done here overall. Having read the latest CQC report for the Hunar Clinic where Dr Gupta works I noticed the following;

1. Out of date medicines and equipment were found in the resuscitation and anaesthesia trolleys. There were not effective processes in place to make sure checks were carried out on this. I understand this has now been rectified though, but this is quite concerning and is really not acceptable.

2. Intravenous fluids were not stored securely. Substances subjected to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) were also not securely stored.

3. Patients were advised to stop taking antidepressants two weeks before the procedure in the written information given to them. The CQC report recognised that antidepressants should be withdrawn gradually as per NICE Guidance and no advice was given to seek professional help from the patient’s GP. I was taking antidepressants which I informed them about and despite being picked up by the CQC the written information that I was given had not been changed. I have previously had liposuction and was not advised to stop taking antidepressants at all so I know it’s not essential for the safety of the procedure.

4. Another issue with written information provided is that I was told in an email I should not eat or DRINK anything for 6 hours prior to having IV sedation. However in the sedation consent form it contradicts this and states that you can drink water up to 2 hours before. This is the correct guidance as per the Royal College of Anaesthetists. There needs to be clear and consistent written information throughout.

5. Although this was just from my personal experience, I was given a total of 3 prescriptions for antibiotics to take before the procedure when I should have only been given one. These were posted to me but I think there was some confusion because I had of rescheduled the procedure a couple times. Nevertheless you would have thought that a record would be kept of what prescriptions had been sent to patients.

Overall if you’re not fussed about these kind of issues and you’re not an anxious patient then I expect you will be very happy with Dr Gupta. However if you require a bit more time with your surgeon in addressing any concerns then I cannot recommend Dr Gupta. He seems to want to prioritise getting as many patients in as possible over spending a lot of time with an anxious patient, who he will drop like a hat without any regard to the consequences this may have on them. Is this a surgeon who really values a patient and wants to do whatever they can to help them achieve their desired outcome? Don’t ask too many questions here or you will be told you’re not ready for surgery point blank - goodbye.

I will pick myself up from this though and find another surgeon. I will not let my anxiety stop me from achieving something that I have wanted for a long time and neither should you! Find a surgeon that is patient with you and gives you all the time you need, addressing any concerns personally along the way.