How to balance between patients’ safety and desires in Plastic Surgery?
April 29th, 2024
What balance are we talking about?
As a plastic surgeon, balancing aesthetic desires with health preservation is a crucial aspect of patient care and something we are confronted with every day in our practice. In order to do no harm, we use a simple blueprint that includes strategies and a holistic approach to patient-care.
Physical Health
Prioritize patient safety and well-being. Assess their overall health, medical history, and any contraindications for surgery. Always refuse surgeries if patients have uncontrolled medical comorbidities.
Mental Health
Consider psychological factors. Ensure patients have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks and benefits. Screen for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
Informed consent and thorough consultations
We spend a lot of time discussing goals, expectations, and potential outcomes. We also educate patients about risks, recovery, and safer alternatives. We can also refer them to a specialist before operating.
Shared decision-making
Involve patients in treatment planning and help them prepare and organize their recovery process. Understand the motivations behind the surgery and address their concerns.
Ethical practice
Do No Harm: Always prioritize patient safety over aesthetic desires.
Avoid Over-Intervention: Assess whether additional procedures are truly necessary or if less invasive options suffice.
Patient-centered care: Individualized approach: Customize treatments based on each patient’s unique needs and desires.
Health-Focused Goals: Align aesthetic goals with overall health. For example, weight loss before body contouring surgery.
Quality communication by managing expectations, being transparent about realistic outcomes and discussing limitations and potential complications.
To sum it all up,
Patient satisfaction is not solely about aesthetics. It encompasses physical, emotional and psychological well-being. By prioritizing safety, communication and holistic care, we can achieve a harmonious balance between patient desires and health preservation.
