Plastic Surgery and the Patient Responsibility

The decision to have plastic surgery is a personal one. For many patients it is the biggest decision they’ve ever made for themselves. Often it is also the most money they had ever invested for the sole purpose of their appearance. Due to the nature of the decision and the finances related to it is easy for patients to minimize the responsibility they harbor in assuring a satisfying and acceptable patient experience. First, it is critical that patients research and investigate the skills and credentials of the plastic surgeon they choose to perform their surgery. Dr. Seify is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His certification is from the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is the only certifying body for plastic surgery that is recognized by the American Medical Association. Plastic surgeons with this distinction may also be certified by other associations with the underlying requirement of the board certification by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This certification allows patients to trust that their plastic surgeon has participated in not only the initial educational and review requirements of the certifying body but also that they participate in continuing ongoing education. Also, patients must be realistic concerning their own situation and what they “bring to the table”. A plastic surgeon cannot perform magical results that are not within the scope of his or her ability. For example, if a patient requires a breast lift in order to have a satisfying and acceptable result for their breast augmentation surgery, and the patient refuses to have a breast lift and chooses only breast implants, the plastic surgeon  may not produce a satisfying result , because the patient has chosen an alternative outside of the scope of the recommendation. Patients must also consider their health situation prior to surgery. Although the patient must be healthy to proceed with surgery, Dr. Seify may inform the patient that there may be limitations that could affect their plastic surgery experience. For example, a patient who is healthy, but is a diabetic, may have some healing issues that are due to their diabetic condition. Dr. Seify requires a preoperative visit for every patient who is considering plastic surgery. It is the patient’s responsibility within this preoperative appointment to review all informed consent paperwork prior to signing the consents. Dr. Seify allows time for patients to have their questions answered and strives to address any remaining concerns prior to surgery. The overwhelming majority of patients have a positive plastic surgery experience. The more patients are prepared and except their responsibility within the plastic surgery experience, the more likely patients are to have their expectations exceeded. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a complimentary consultation.