How can I be sure that a patients expectations of plastic surgery are realistic?
Utilize patient information questionnaires, such as The Doctors Companys Assessment Tool for Patient Selection. Carefully use before and after pictures of previous patients who have physical features similar to those of the current patient. Beware of making any implied warranty with the use of imaging. Make it absolutely clear there is no guarantee that the degree of improvement will be the same as that in the photos. Document this conversation in the record. Have an in-depth discussion with the patient as to his or her expectations from the surgery. Discuss the patient with staff members who may have made observations or heard comments that were not shared with the physician. Reconsider patients who bring in photographs of celebrities or models.
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