A personal word from Dr. Teitelbaum MD FACS:
Because aesthetic surgery is voluntary, and arguably even frivolous, I believe a unique burden is placed upon the doctor - and the patient - to be safe, prudent, and conservative. Though no plastic surgeon would openly disagree with that statement, I adhere to it stronger than most. It guides my philosophy from my lengthy initial consultations, to successive pre-operative contacts, to the techniques I use, and finally my post-operative and on-going care. I am distraught by what I see as an increasingly cavalier attitude toward cosmetic surgery by patients and physicians alike, with some doctors' offices having only a little more serious of an atmosphere than a beauty salon.
My consultations are particularly lengthy, and that is why I charge for them. Many plastic surgeons that offer complimentary consultations actually have them done by a "cosmetic consultant" or "patient coordinator," or they may spend only a few moments with the patients. I schedule a large block of time for each patient, and take as much time as a patient needs to discuss their situation. Photos are taken and we discuss them. Many patients return to continue the consultation on a second or third visit, and I do not charge for those subsequent visits.
I take a thorough history and perform a detailed relevant physical examination. My consultations in particular have a reputation of their own; I have a unique ability to gain an understanding of what a patient wants, to assess their anatomy, to imagine what would look best for a patient given their goals, and finally to discuss this all with them in an understandable way.
Patients sometimes will ask me what they "need." My attitude about aesthetic surgery is that people do not need it in the same way that a bone may need to be fixed or a suspicious growth removed. In other words, it is not possible to simply look at a photograph of a patient and determine without talking to them what operation is right for them. Frequently, there is an array of surgical options available to a patient, involving different costs, risks, recoveries, scars, and results. I make it a goal to explore these issues as thoroughly as possible with a patient at their consultation, so that they can make a truly informed choice about what they want done. Whether they have the surgery done by me, someone else, or not at all, they leave their visit with a dramatically enhanced understanding of their situation.
Far too often I hear a patient from another surgeon complain that they did not get the result they wanted or were expecting. Sometimes they wanted to be less pulled, or not to have had such a big implant. While there are aspects of surgery that are unpredictable, I make sure that a patient knows what to expect as much as possible. If I do not agree with what a patient wants to do - either because I think it is unsafe, or aesthetically undesirable, I discuss it. But a patient of mine will know ahead of time what to expect.
That being said, there are certain subtle intangibles that result from a surgeon's own personal aesthetic sense. I am up front about mine, and I think it is important for patients selecting an aesthetic surgeon be sensitive to these details. I believe in classic, natural, soft beauty. I think that visual clues to aesthetic surgery are often worse than the deformity that was corrected. For instance, I would err on pulling a face less rather than more, in order to avoid an unnatural swept or pulled look. I believe that huge breast implants look and feel unnatural, and cause long-term problems. Outer thigh liposuction is desirable to achieve a smoother, more svelte contour, but I believe that often plastic surgeons remove too much fat, leaving an androgenized, even masculine appearance. Much of what is important to you about how I see things is something you have to observe, and feel for yourself; it is not something I, or another plastic surgeon can fully explain. Certainly, my aesthetic sensibilities will not be shared by all prospective patients; what you must do is be alert to the signs of a surgeon who shares yours.
Safety and predictability is of paramount importance. New techniques come and go, and I do not rush to adopt them unless a clear advantage is shown. Meticulously executed proven techniques serve most patients better in most situations than the "technique du jour" But when a patient needs an unusual procedure that I am not adept at, I do not hesitate to help them find the right doctor. This is not to say that I do not perform the latest techniques, because I certainly do. What it means is that I have a tendency to be more circumspect, rather than aggressive about offering new techniques. I also think it is important to stay in close contact with a patient after surgery. While our office is very busy, I make sure to frequently see all my patients after surgery. Very careful postoperative care is very important in achieving the best possible result.
Sometimes a patient will come in for a consultation and express that they feel nervous. I always tell them that they needn't feel nervous- that this is voluntary surgery. That they should keep seeing doctors until finally everything clicks- that they like the doctor, they like the office, they like the staff - and that they start to get enthusiastic about surgery. It is natural for an intelligent person to always have some apprehension, but eventually the nervousness will be gradually replaced by enthusiasm, and when - and only when that happens - should they proceed with surgery. I am anxious to help you in your process to decide if and what aesthetic surgery is right for you! |
