A Seattle-based plastic surgeon has come under fire and is being sued for hiding negative patient reviews on social media review sites. Additionally, the surgeon has been accused of asking patients to sign agreements that they would not post negative reviews online, doctoring before and after photos, and even waive their privacy rights!
Thankfully, this unethical behavior was discovered and the surgeon will face charges, but it begs the question, what is normal -or not- when it comes to what to expect from your plastic surgeon.
When a patient seeks out a surgeon for plastic surgery, they are entrusting that person with not just their appearance, but their money and most importantly in many cases, their life. Thus, it is important for the surgeon to understand the weight of their responsibility and act accordingly. Patient safety is the number one goal, but patient satisfaction is a close second, and your surgeon should always remember that.
When seeking a plastic surgeon, online reviews are a great start, but as the aforementioned case has proven, it’s not always accurate, and should not be the only consideration when searching for a surgeon. You should also ask to see their portfolio and board certification. While this case has proven that even before and after photos can be doctored, board certification can’t, and it can often paint a much more accurate picture of the surgeon in question.
Another important thing to remember when selecting your surgeon is to review all paperwork before you sign it. While there is going to be a lot of paperwork involved in any surgery, make sure you understand what you’re signing first. If you don’t feel comfortable signing a document or you aren’t sure what it is you’re signing, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon, their staff, or even a trusted legal expert of your choosing. Furthermore, it can also help to reach out to friends or family who have undergone similar procedures and ask what to expect when it comes to required paperwork.
Following your procedure, leaving a positive review for your surgery is always welcome, however if you truly are unhappy with your surgery, a negative might be required. Still, reaching out to your surgeon first is always a smart first step. Your surgeon can often provide clarification about results or healing, or make adjustments or corrections if necessary. If you do decide to leave a negative review, stick to the facts and offer as much detail as possible.
Ultimately, most surgeons are in it to help you, and will make sure you are satisfied with your procedure. A good surgeon won’t ask you to lie for them or try to suppress your review, nor will they lie about past procedures or coerce you into signing away your right to privacy. If you have any questions about Dr. Mitchell or about any aspect of your upcoming procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact the office today!