Someone emailed me an article from one of those free-article directories on the Internet–an article pertaining to getting a second opinion. This person’s eight-word question to me was: “A second opinion from a plastic surgeon? Really?”
So my response to him was the same as it is to you: “Yes, really!”
in fact, there might be more of a need for a second opinion in this field than most others. After all, with plastic surgery, there is hardly ever just a single way to approach a problem; usually there are multiple possibilities. Plastic surgeons come at a procedure with their own set of experiences and preferences, along with different cultural backgrounds and locations, all of which might affect how they would perform a procedure. For this reason, a patient considering either reconstructive or cosmetic surgery should feel free to get more than one opinion. This is especially helpful for the patient who has lingering doubts or is facing unusual issues with her plastic surgery.
In fact, I have personally seen many patients who are seeking a second opinion. And from this experience, let me advise you on how to approach this additional voice.
First, when you call and request an appointment with a plastic surgeon, resist the tendency to inform him or her that this is a second opinion. Instead, treat each consultation like a new one. If the surgeon knows he or she is being measured against what someone else has already told the patient, it might color the advice you receive from the second doctor. The best way to get an unbiased opinion is if the doctor thinks he or she is the first one to see you.
Also, when visiting the doctor for the second opinion, don’t talk to him about what you’ve heard from other surgeons. Remember, again, that each surgeon has his or her way of doing things, and you might be introducing unnecessary jealousy by pointing out that this doctor’s way of doing things is not the same as some other doctor’s. By all means, feel free to ask why she does things the way she does, but try not to introduce any unneeded conflict into the equation.
Finally, don’t let your opinion of the second opinion be swayed by the fact that she is less — or more–expensive than the first surgeon. In this field, low price is not always the best option; skill and expertise trump the budget concerns.
