Doctors and patients are losing touch with each other. The old style of medicine with the family doctor who you had for your whole life, who treated your whole family is gone. Now there are large clinics. You may not get the same doctor twice. You may not even know the name of your doctor.
I don’t like this kind of medicine. I like knowing my patients. When I am your surgeon, we are aligned. Both of us- you and I- want you to have a successful surgery, with a good result, pretty scars, and for you to be happy.
So, to get there, let’s start with responsible for what I say and do.
What is my part in this? I am responsible. I am a board certified plastic surgeon. I went through medical school, general surgery residency, plastic surgery residency, and a fellowship in breast and cosmetic surgery. I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I got recertified, so I am good til 2021. I do my continuing medical education. I am dedicated to my patients. I am available by phone, email, mail, and in my office. I will see you and be responsive to you to the best of my ability.
What is your part? Surgery is not a one way street. You have a critical part in this too. You need to be responsible for your result. What does this mean?
- Be honest with me. Think about what you have, what you would like to change. Tell me about your medical history, medications, vitamins, prior surgeries, smoking.
- Be honest with yourself. When I educate you, listen to what I say. I am very blunt. You need to have realistic expectations. For you to have successful surgery, you need to distill down… What is bothering me? Do I want to change it? How will I feel about that change? If I had any kind of complication would I regret doing this?
- Follow my directions. I don’t make up random directions. No shower, no exercise, no Advil, no bra. There are reasons why I recommend certain things. I am happy to explain them. Please do not follow what your friend did or what you found on the internet.
- Come to your appointments. I know it may seem like we do don’t do much during the appointment. I change your dressings, we chat. Why should I come in? Because I am looking. When I change your dressing, I am evaluating your shape, bruise, scar, swelling. I am looking for small indicators which show me things are going in a good or not so good direction. If we catch things early, we can avoid a lot.
- If things don’t seem right, come in and see me. Talk to me. We are aligned. I get things happen. The sooner we address it the better. Complications may happen- it is part of surgery- though you can minimize the risk by following the points above.
How did those young girl scouts get to be so wise?