Guide For the Would Be Plastic Surgery Patient

Any patient or would be patient of plastic surgery has his or her own shared responsibility in being properly informed. This short list provides some basic yet helpful insights to keep in mind before making that first consult with your surgeon. Hopefully this would guide the potential patient in having a better understanding and grasp of the nature and reality of plastic surgery.

1. Don't be a victim of deception, false advertisement and publicity regarding the specialty of Plastic Surgery. While the internet is a very powerful tool for advertisement and promotion, keep in mind though that not everything in the net is likewise necessarily true. Be wise enough to ask authorities in the field for facts and realistic expectations.

2. Do check and make sure that you are consulting and putting your trust in a certified plastic surgeon; one who has completed training according to the standards set by the official Board of Plastic Surgery in your country. Nowadays cosmetic surgery is so lucrative that some doctors, medical personnel and even non doctors attempt to learn and practice the specialty without the proper and formal training. Remember that there are no shortcuts to establishing a good foundation for plastic surgery. A strong foundation, whether we like it or not, does have a significant effect on preoperative planning, course of surgery and final surgical outcome.

3. Feel free to further inquire about your plastic surgeon's background and training. This is one way of establishing trust, confidence, rapport and making yourself comfortable as well. A formally trained surgeon would not be expected to hide his hard earned credentials.

4. Do not hesitate to ask anything and everything about your problem and/or desired operation. This is clearly not a good time to be shy. A good surgeon would be reasonably patient in hearing all his patients' concerns. It may take several visits if necessary to fully understand what you are getting into but it would definitely be worth your time when you get the bigger and better picture of things.

5. Understand that you cannot just pick out from any magazine a physical feature that you like and have it copied. It is just not possible. Cosmetic plastic surgery is supposed to enhance and improve on existing physical features. Remember that you can never "shop" for a nose.

6. Make sure you completely and wholeheartedly understand not only the benefits of your contemplated surgery but also the risks involved in each procedure. This is the reality that each patient must face and the surgeon will expertly address if necessary. Remember that just like as we go about in our daily lives, there are risks involved in everything we do whether it be big or small, minor or major. It is indeed something universal. The certified plastic surgeon however is trained to handle all possible complications. This comes with adequate surgical exposure and long years of training.

7. Be aware that during your surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide the highest level of skill, judgment and care. He has undergone extensive training as to equip him with such. Likewise always remember that no physician in his right mind would want to deliberately or accidentally inflict any harm on his patients. Surgeons are forever guided by this doctrine of "First, do no harm".

8. Understand that despite long briefing and discussions prior to surgery, a good plastic surgeon knows that post operatively, a patient may still have anxieties and newfound concerns. Don't hesitate to call up or get in touch. A compassionate surgeon will most often provide that comforting response. Remember that the commitment and care of your surgeon doesn't end with the last stitch.

9. Make sure all instructions post operatively are fully understood and followed religiously. Cooperate with your plastic surgeon to minimize problems and complications. Request for basic post operative instructions in paper if necessary so as to constantly remind you. Patients do have this shared responsibility together with their surgeons in ensuring a smooth and problem free recovery.

10. No two sides of the human body are perfectly symmetrical and equal. It follows that surgical outcome will never have perfectly equal measurements. Remember that literally nobody is perfect. In reality just to name a few examples, belly buttons are not exactly in the midline of a great number of patients, lower portions of the rib cage may be more protruberant than one side, and the left breast may be slightly bigger or lower than the right or vise versa. Nonetheless there is such a thing as having perfectly acceptable results and symmetry.

11. A perfect result is never guaranteed. Patient and surgeon are but human, however in the hands of a certified plastic surgeon, one is better off and in the best position of having very good, satisfying and realistic results.

12. The patient has every right to inquire regarding details of the fees and other charges. Discounts may be reasonably given at the discretion of your surgeon. However the patient must always keep in mind that he/she is not shopping for the cheapest pork around. It could be a disastrous decision if one would be solely guided by just searching for the cheapest surgical package. Remember to always treat your plastic surgeon and his specialty professionally and in turn you will surely get great value for your money.

By Edwin Paul Magallona