Patient Satisfaction
January 26th, 2010
What cosmetic surgeries rated highest in patient satisfaction?
RealSelf.com has published a list of cosmetic procedures ranked on whether patients think having a particular procedure was worth it, based on patients answering their survey question, Was your cosmetic surgery or treatment worth it?
While the ranking of patient satisfaction for various cosmetic surgery procedures is debatable, I find that there are definitely favorites. For my own practice, breast enlargement and liposuction patients seem to be quite pleased with their decision to have cosmetic surgery. The survey came up with different conclusions. Maybe the ranking by RealSelf.com merely represents overall patient satisfaction, without taking into account the quality or training of the physician or technician performing the surgery or treatment.
According to the survey, the top two procedures, tummy tucks and breast reductions are rated at the top. They are almost always done by board certified plastic surgeons. The bottom two procedures, Veloshape and mesotherapy, are almost never done by board certified plastic surgeons. As you move from top to bottom on this list, the percentage of each procedure done by board certified plastic surgeons becomes less and less. For instance, tumescent liposuction, Smart Lipo, liposculpture, liposuction and Vaser lipo, are all done by board certified plastic surgeons, as well as general surgeons, dermatologists, head and neck surgeons (otorhinolaryngologists), family doctors, and gynecologists. In fact you can probably get some type of liposuction done by any medical or surgical subspecialist. Obviously, the medical training in such a wide spectrum of surgical providers can be extremely variable. The survey overlooked this important factor.
My own bias concludes that training is paramount when choosing a physician. Plastic surgery residency is intensely focused on aesthetics of the body and face and the sculptural aspects of surgery. In addition, the medical students who are most often drawn to a plastic surgery residency have both an aptitude and intense interest in the artistic aspects of surgery. Therefore, I believe that a key factor in patient satisfaction is to understand the qualifications of the person doing your surgery or treatment. However, as with all physicians, plastic surgeons do have dissatisfied patients, a fact of life in the practice of medicine in general. Choose wisely.
Jessie’s Blog: Surgery Tomorrow
January 11th, 2010
Well, it is the night before the big surgery and I am very excited. In preparation for the surgery I have been drinking a lot of water because I was directed to drink a gallon today. Being hydrated helps with my recovery. I have also purchased an anti-bacterial soap from the local drugstore, which is needed to wash my face after the surgery. I have also been busy working out at the gym and eating healthier. I think this surgery will help me feel more confident about my appearance and I want to feel more confident with many aspects of my life.
Several people have called me today to wish me good luck and have requested me to send them before and after pictures. Some friends have even asked when they can stop by and see me. I am very excited for this great change, but a little hesitant not knowing what the final outcome of the surgery will be. I have been playing with my nose in the mirror a lot, just trying to imagine the exact size and shape of nose after surgery.
I have also spent a lot of time on the nipntuck website looking at other before and after photos. Being able to look at other photos has helped me realize that my nose is not going to change that much, it is subtly changing for the better. The four after pictures of other patients on the website show a nice change, but they look natural.
During my initial recovery period, I will be staying with my parents for a few days. I am also busying packing food for my dog, movies, and little to-do projects to keep me entertained! I do not think I could do this surgery if I did not have help watching my dog and helping me. Well tomorrow is the big day. I am so excited, but truthfully- I just want it all to be done with so I can just see the new nose and my new look. I look forward to tomorrow morning; I just hope I am able to sleep this evening.
The next time you hear from me, it will be my interview that is being filmed just before going into surgery. Stay tuned…
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