Due Diligence: Why You Should Leave Diagnosis To the Pros

New Years Eve is always fun because the Hess’ have a party which many of our friends, who we only see a few times of year, come and share the festivities.  I got talking to one of my friends who told me that recently she had been at another gathering where the conversation came around to plastic surgery.

One of the women said that she had recently undergone a tummy tuck and had developed a vast number of complications which she was still dealing with.  My friend told her that if she needed to see another plastic surgeon she should come see me.  At that point she told my friend that she had seen me in consultation and that I told her she didn’t need a tummy tuck.

During consultations I offer honest opinions and what I feel are the best solutions for patients.  But there are patients who believe they know what they need and will find a surgeon to do what they want. Like the woman in the story.  To avoid these kind of problems I suggest that all patients do their due diligence.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines due diligence as “the care that a reasonable person exercises to avoid harm to other persons or their property.”  In practical use this has been generalized to mean “the care that a reasonable person exercises to avoid harm to themselves or their property.”

Finding the right plastic surgeon who will perform the right procedure takes patience.  If the first plastic surgeon you meet with suggests something different than what you thought then see a few more.  If a majority suggest the same procedure then it’s a matter of deciding which one of those surgeons will do the surgery.

The internet is wonderful to gather information, but diagnosis really should be left to the professionals.  Do your due diligence and see as many surgeons as necessary until you find the one you are comfortable with.  One who thoroughly explains his suggestions and why they’re appropriate for you.