Your Consultation
The guiding principle of my practice philosophy is to treat every patient as I would treat a member of my family. At your initial consult, I will spend a great deal of time to ensure that I clearly understand your goals and concerns. Digital photography is a useful tool that allows us to modify your pictures to create your desired look. The ability to predict the postoperative result on the computer is a tool I find useful to ensure that you and I are both visualizing the same postoperative result.
After I feel that I understand your goals, I will discuss all of the options that could be safely used to achieve your goals. In almost all cases, there are several options, each with its inherent advantages and limitations. In order to help you arrive at the best approach for you, we will review each option using slide presentations that will show you, in great detail, how each of these approaches is performed and the results you can expect. Through the use of medical illustrations and before and after photos of my patients, you will gain an understanding of each treatment option. After having discussed the different alternatives, we will decide which approach best will meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.
If you are a patient making a consultation for an aesthetic procedure, there is a fee for the consultation. Many offices offer free cosmetic consultations and then push procedures and products once they have you in their office. My philosophy is that you are paying for an honest consultation regarding your concerns, and you will receive a comprehensive evaluation by a nationally recognized expert. I never try to “sell” surgery, and our office does not have a “closer.” Surgery is just that, surgery-I am philosophically against the concept of talking patients into surgical procedures. I emphasize safety and predictability in procedures I feel are well-suited for my patients. I will spend as much time with you as necessary to make you feel comfortable with your decision. I will see you as many times as necessary at no additional charge to ensure you are educated and comfortable with your decision. I will be honest and tell you when I do not think surgery will give you the results you desire. You are paying for a professional opinion and that is what you will receive.
Safety is the most important aspect of surgery, especially when it is elective. I take great pride in offering the safest possible environment for my patients. All the hospitals at which I operate are certified by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO) and so are my office facilities. What does this mean to you as a patient? Because my offices under the supervision of Georgetown University Hospital, all of our instruments are sterilized in the operating room autoclaves. All medications (Botox, fillers, local anesthesia, etc) are discarded the day of expiration regardless of how much is left in the bottle. The hygiene, safety, and confidentiality for my patients are held to the highest standard. On a national level, I have served as the Vice Chairman of the Safety Committee of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and have authored peer reviewed journal articles on patient safety within the official journal for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The specialty of plastic surgery is popular because the vast majority of patients are very happy with their results. However, despite our best effort, there is no crystal ball to ensure that every treatment decision is the right one. Occasionally, decisions are made that in hindsight may not have been the best or problems occur beyond the patient’s or doctor’s control. Complications may arise and they are tough for both the patient and the doctor. The only way that I can sleep at night is to honestly believe that every decision I make is the same for my patients as it would be for my family. The only guarantee I can give to my patient is that I will always give my best effort. If you are interested in discussing your concerns in my office, please call my office for an appointment. I look forward to meeting you and thank you for taking the time to review my website.
