I continue to be amazed by my patients will and determination to change. It takes guts to want to change. Talking about changing and wanting to make a life change is certainly a good first start but it takes initiative to get up and go to see a plastic surgeon and tell him that one is not happy with one’s current appearance.

After all, it’s not something minor, but rather usually something that the
patients feels is a significant problem, something which really bothers them. It takes a certain bravery to admit there is a problem to oneself and to others (embarrassment) and to entertain the fact that there may be something that can be done to correct the problem.

Then there is the fear of surgery itself. Though plastic surgery and
specifically cosmetic surgery is very safe, we all have a natural fear of
anesthesia. And I think these fears have been reinforced by old wives tales and the media who capitalize by reporting rare severe complications often performed by unqualified physicians who are poorly trained.

When patients verbalize their fear of anesthesia I remind them that their body is made up of the same chemicals and has the same physiology as every other person on this earth, including thousands of those who have already had the surgery they are contemplating. That’s important because we can do studies on those who have had surgery and can derive statistics regarding the benefit and complication rates. And since the patient is the same as these studied patients, the rates of benefit and risk can be applied to the patient contemplating the surgery.  Rates can be discussed with the prospective patient and can be very reassuring because the great bulk of cosmetic surgery procedures have very good benefit and very low risk.  The bottom line is that patients should do their homework and rely more on facts. Facts can help patients feel more confident in their choices for cosmetic surgery and in their choice of a plastic surgeon.

After all  information  has been digested, there are always some questions and doubts. And after doing all the homework and fact-finding there may still be some concern. This is where I think a doctor’s empathy can really shine. The patient should ask themselves if they feel that the doctor will work in the patient’s best interest or in the doctor’s own self interest. How would the patient know the answer to this question? Well, has the doctor spent the time in consultation answering all of the patient’s questions clearly and completely? Have the pluses and minuses of the different alternatives been presented fairly and without bias? Is there a feeling that the patient has been rushed or told what to do without any understanding of what the patient wishes or what is in their best interest both in terms of safety and quality?  Is the doctor going to be readily available and nearby if there are any questions or problems?

The choice of any professional, plastic surgeon or otherwise doesn’t only
involve gaining information about them but is, in the end, a “seat of the
pants”, or gut instinct about that person. I believe that we have the intuitive feeling to know whom to trust and who will ultimately take the best care of us.

We have the choice to better ourselves, and my patients have taken it onto
themselves to move toward this goal with strength and confidence.