Expectations are to be expected, respected and protected

Response to change

Cosmetic surgery makes changes to our body/face that we may have dreamed of for years. We are saying farewell to an appearance we (and friends and family) have come to know and love. Adjustment can be emotional. It is realistic to expect surgeons to integrate emotional support. 
Do you want to look like someone else? a celebrity perhaps?  If so, you are probably suffering from unrealistic expectations. Sorry. 

Social Responsibility

It is realistic to expect emotional reactions but they may not be the elusive 'psychological benefit' we have been told. 
Media, advertising and celebrity culture were perceived by almost 75% of respondents to the (APPG) consultation to be the main social influences on body image. Read here why advertising trivialises surgery:
niptuck.orgpdf.pdf
File Size: 71 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Communication is key

Expectations come down to ONE thing: COMMUNICATION. It is very important to have the courage to tell your surgeon what you do and do not like. It is also important to know if your surgeon is a Member of FRCS(Plast). You must listen to what your surgeon tells you. Then the most important part: you must decide if you and the surgeon are a good match. 
 If you are in any doubt...ask for a second consultation and ask for a simple clear explanation. Take someone with you so they can remind you of any points you may forget. 
It is realistic to expect
  • a clear distinction between advertising and independent support.
  • additional consultation time when needed
  • before and after care
  • clear explanation of the procedure
  • complaint procedure clearly explained
  • EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
  • no interruptions during consultation
  • patience
  • respect
  • time to think
  • understanding

You must expect

TO MEET YOUR SURGEON AT YOUR CONSULTATIONS. That might sound like just plain common sense but it is amazing how many patients speak to a Patient Advisor/Coach/Co-ordinator etc and NEVER MEET THE SURGEON til SURGERY. No no no...


Quiet please ... 

I once went to a consultation with a patient and there was no mirror in the room! 
I have been to consultations with phones ringing on the desk, secretaries interrupting with 'important' things and I've even seen surgeons tweet or update Facebook while talking. If you feel distracted by all of this (and who wouldn't!)  - either tell the surgeon or ask him/her for another appointment. You may also just consider that this is not the right surgeon for you! 


Don't expect (or settle) for anything less than you deserve.

It is equally realistic to expect to be very happy after surgery. It is often assumed that happy patients do not need someone to speak to. We don't believe this. We think that happy patients need a good safe outlet too! 
Every day we communicate. How do you communicate? We talk to our friends, family and employers and we know how to do that. Talking to a surgeon is not something we do every day. It can be nerve-wracking. Sign up to all our resources.