Checklist For Cosmetic Surgery

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2007 to PROFILES > Plastic Surgery

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Prospective patients have a better chance for their desired surgical result if they know how to choose a surgeon and what questions to ask their surgeon. Here is a checklist for patients to use before undergoing a cosmetic procedure. Jennifer Barnes reports.

Advertising is a great vehicle for disseminating information. While it shouldn't be misleading at any time, promotion of medical services should educate prospective patients in how to separate fact from fiction.

Chairman of Public Education for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Les Bolton MD had some tips on how to best gain a successful surgical outcome. "Patients should beware of outrageous claims. There are no miracle cures. Look for information on the ad that states they are a trained surgeon."

However, the process of cosmetic surgery goes well beyond advertising and patients can be proactive about their surgery by asking the right questions and doing research. "It's important to see your surgeon for a second consultation if you have any pending questions or uneasiness," explained Dr Bolton. "If a patient doesn't ask enough questions in the consultations I encourage them to write down the questions and give me a call."

Dr Bolton also encourages patients to talk the surgery over with their spouse and plan the surgery when they can be there for support.

The following checklist was compiled by the Australian Consumer Complaints Commission. It provides a list of tips to help consumers of medical and health services interpret advertising and seek advice to help them decide on services and procedures. It does not try to be exhaustive - it does try to encourage consumers to be vigilant whenever they are choosing medical and health services or practitioners.

• If an advertisement predicts an outcome (e.g. cure) ask yourself whether it appears exaggerated and unlikely to be backed up by reasonable evidence. If in doubt ask the provider about proof of their claims.
• Be wary of 'miracle cure' advertisements: If a 'medical breakthrough' really has occurred in the treatment of a serious illness - would the news be announced first in an advertisement? Ask others (e.g. another doctor, pharmacist, and healthcare professional) about the 'medical breakthrough'.
• Read limitations and qualifications on the value of a procedure carefully. Ask if you think there may be other limitations that could apply.
• Are there terms and conditions perhaps in small print or at the bottom of an advertisement that you have not read?
• When testimonials are included, can you be sure they accurately represent the outcomes claimed?
• Is it clear the testimonial relates only to the outcome for that particular person, and should not be considered a guarantee the same outcome will be achieved for all? Is the person providing the testimonial willing and able to be contacted?
• Be cautious when basing decisions on before and after photographs used to promote a service. They may not be standardized (e.g. different lighting, poses and photographic techniques).
• Note that an advertisement may show a model who has not undergone the procedure being promoted.
• If comparisons are made with other services or service providers, do the comparisons appear fair,accurate and current.
• Do you know what qualifications a provider has? Can you understand what the letters after a provider's name mean? Do you have doubts about whether the provider is using terms such as 'surgeon', 'doctor' or 'specialist' accurately.
• Beware of irrelevant qualifications or memberships used as a marketing tool in advertisements. If in doubt ask.
• Do you know whether the advertised 'treatment' or 'procedure' actually involves surgery?
• Ask if you don't understand the risks or side-effects associated with a procedure or service.
• Is the result from the treatment, procedure or surgery likely to be 'permanent'? What are the factors affecting the long term effects of the treatment, procedure or surgery?
• How many visits will I need?
• What other services do I need as part of this treatment/procedure or surgery? e.g. pathology services; radiology services; anesthetic services; rehabilitation services - who provides these and what does that involve?
• Have others needed follow up treatment/procedure/surgery? How often? Why? With what outcome?
• Am I likely to need follow up treatment /procedures/surgery? What factors make it more likely or less likely for me?
• Do you know how long it will take to recover, e.g. from pain or achieving movement after a procedure? Ask if you need more information on the level of pain you may feel during or after a procedure or how long it will take to recover.
• Check with the provider if you think the likely effects or results of a procedure have been understated/overstated in an advertisement.
• Be cautious about claims that a procedure or device has been approved by e.g. an association of practitioners or a government department. In particular, is the approval a general one and not specifically for the claims being made.
• Do you understand what reimbursements you can expect from Medicare or private insurance? And that even though you have private insurance you may have to pay for the gap between the amount charged and the health insurance rebate.
• Make sure the provider has disclosed the full costs of services or treatment before you commit yourself.
• Ask a healthcare professional advising you if you suspect there may be a conflict of financial interest (e.g. between a practitioner and clinic or other service provider) that could be influencing their advice.
• If you feel that your medical practitioner or health service provider is not listening to you or is dismissing you - you have the right to seek a second opinion.
• When choosing elective treatment or surgery - take your time in making the decision - If possible, talk it over first with other trusted advisers including family members, friends or other professional advisers.

What Do the Initials Mean?

AACD

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

AACS

American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

AAD

American Academy of Dermatology

AAFPRS

American Academy of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

AAPS

American Association of Plastic Surgeons

ABPS

American Board of Plastic Surgery

ACS

American College of Surgeons

AMA

American Medical Association

AMB

American Medical Board

ASAPS

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

ASDS

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

ASLMS

American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Inc.

ASMS

American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons

ASPS

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (was the ASPRS American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons)

ASRM

American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery

CSAPS

Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

CSPS

Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons

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