Be the boss on your consult, but don’t be bossy

I am a firm believer that a patient should be a Partner in his/her care, especially in cosmetic Plastic Surgery. While a Plastic Surgeon has a great deal more knowledge about the procedure you want, there are options that are simply a matter of taste.

When I speak to a patient about surgery, I always present the facts as I know them, in as unbiased a manner possible, so that the decision is the patient’s to make. Clearly if asked my opinion, or if I have a preference, I will share it with the patient so that we can come to an acceptable decision. I am not a technician who will do whatever is requested, it has to make good medical and esthetic sense.

If you are looking for something that would not make me proud as a Plastic Surgeon to put my name on, I will decline to operate on you. That doesn’t mean you have to be a supermodel with a perfect feature, it just means that the esthetics have to represent an improvement that is worth the risk.

I encourage patients to be the boss, and really let me know what they are looking for. If I do not know because you are shy or embarrassed, you have less of a chance of being happy. There is no shame, just be honest and everything will work out better.

I do not like it when a patient is bossy, telling me what to do and how to do it. I am here to educate and assist you in determining what has the greatest chance of success. If you do not want to listen, maybe you should learn to do it yourself (not a serious suggestion).

Assert your desires, partner with a Plastic Surgeon who will listen, and enjoy the results of a healthy partnership.

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