Just like many relationships, the relationship with your plastic surgeon should be based on trust, open and honest communication, proximity, and respect.
If any of these are not optimal, then it may be time to fire your plastic surgeon.
Of course, this is probably not a common topic written about by a plastic surgeon, but there are ways to end this relationship that are respectful and helpful.
First, do you really want to end the relationship and start over? The grass is not always greener elsewhere, and if your relationship can be salvaged, especially with someone who has operated on you, then it may be worthwhile to save the doctor-patient relationship.
After some thought, you may realize that an office staff member, and not the plastic surgeon, may be the source of your frustration.
Work with your surgeon and the office staff to re-establish a good relationship.
Open communication is key to any great relationship, and you should feel free to talk openly and honestly about what is wrong in your relationship.
Maybe the surgeon is technically gifted but not the warmest or most articulate person in the world.
Or maybe you are not explaining yourself well enough to your doctor and the office staff.
Either way, it may be worth spending the extra effort to get your point across or listening closely to what your plastic surgeon is telling you.
Just like your Mom told you- never burn bridges.
Especially in smaller communities or with more difficult procedures, word does get around.
Angry outburst might work in movies, but in real life, it is better to part ways in a respectful fashion.
You never know when you need more medical records, more hints, or even medical care from your original surgeon.
If you truly feel that your relationship with your plastic surgeon is suboptimal, then getting your medical recordsand maintaining a professional attitude during the entire break-up is helpful.
Although plastic surgery is very personal, there is a fair amount of science and medicine involved.
Sometimes your body will not heal as well you would like, despite the best surgical care and personal attention after your procedure.
Due to Federal privacy laws, it is imperative that you sign consent forms allowing your medical records to be sent to you, another doctor, or another hospital.
Just calling and making a verbal request is generally not considered secure.
Also, the new Federal law states doctors need to check a photo ID to avoid identity theft.
Do not be peeved if you are asked repeatedly to confirm your identity for your medical records- it is for your overall benefit and privacy! Please realize that many plastic surgeons are wary of seeing a patient who has had surgery elsewhere.
Any patient who is not happy with their previous plastic surgeon tends to raise our suspicions, so the consultation can be long and very detail oriented.
Of course, every case is different, but do not be surprised if it takes several attempts to find a plastic surgeon in your town that is willing to see you.
Previous medical records are key to getting a good 2nd opinion.
Although you may be very intelligent, you may not know exactly what technique or suture was used for your particular procedure.
Any medical information about your surgery is helpful with a consultation with another plastic surgeon.
If any of these are not optimal, then it may be time to fire your plastic surgeon.
Of course, this is probably not a common topic written about by a plastic surgeon, but there are ways to end this relationship that are respectful and helpful.
First, do you really want to end the relationship and start over? The grass is not always greener elsewhere, and if your relationship can be salvaged, especially with someone who has operated on you, then it may be worthwhile to save the doctor-patient relationship.
After some thought, you may realize that an office staff member, and not the plastic surgeon, may be the source of your frustration.
Work with your surgeon and the office staff to re-establish a good relationship.
Open communication is key to any great relationship, and you should feel free to talk openly and honestly about what is wrong in your relationship.
Maybe the surgeon is technically gifted but not the warmest or most articulate person in the world.
Or maybe you are not explaining yourself well enough to your doctor and the office staff.
Either way, it may be worth spending the extra effort to get your point across or listening closely to what your plastic surgeon is telling you.
Just like your Mom told you- never burn bridges.
Especially in smaller communities or with more difficult procedures, word does get around.
Angry outburst might work in movies, but in real life, it is better to part ways in a respectful fashion.
You never know when you need more medical records, more hints, or even medical care from your original surgeon.
If you truly feel that your relationship with your plastic surgeon is suboptimal, then getting your medical recordsand maintaining a professional attitude during the entire break-up is helpful.
Although plastic surgery is very personal, there is a fair amount of science and medicine involved.
Sometimes your body will not heal as well you would like, despite the best surgical care and personal attention after your procedure.
Due to Federal privacy laws, it is imperative that you sign consent forms allowing your medical records to be sent to you, another doctor, or another hospital.
Just calling and making a verbal request is generally not considered secure.
Also, the new Federal law states doctors need to check a photo ID to avoid identity theft.
Do not be peeved if you are asked repeatedly to confirm your identity for your medical records- it is for your overall benefit and privacy! Please realize that many plastic surgeons are wary of seeing a patient who has had surgery elsewhere.
Any patient who is not happy with their previous plastic surgeon tends to raise our suspicions, so the consultation can be long and very detail oriented.
Of course, every case is different, but do not be surprised if it takes several attempts to find a plastic surgeon in your town that is willing to see you.
Previous medical records are key to getting a good 2nd opinion.
Although you may be very intelligent, you may not know exactly what technique or suture was used for your particular procedure.
Any medical information about your surgery is helpful with a consultation with another plastic surgeon.