Aesthetic breast surgery: consulting for the future--proposals for improving doctor-patient interactions.
This report summarizes the opinions advanced by an international panel of acknowledged expert plastic surgeons convened to discuss women's attitudes about aesthetic breast surgery. To inform the discussions, a survey was undertaken to explore women's attitudes and opinions. The survey showed that significant numbers of women take the initial steps but do not proceed to surgery. This represents a failure to meet the needs of many women who stand to benefit from surgery. It also represents a waste of resources. Cost and fear are important factors, but a crucial consideration for women is whether they can find a surgeon they can trust. The panel recommends using standard consultation procedures, ensuring good clinic organization, managing expectations, dispelling myths, and providing adequate patient education to build trust and contribute to the successful treatment of women who desire breast surgery.
Akademikliniken, Storängsvägen 10, 115 42, Stockholm, Sweden. per.heden@ak.se
Per
P
Hedén
William P
WP
Adams
Patrick
P
Maxwell
Maurizio
M
Nava
Michael
M
Scheflan
Constantin
C
Stan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D055815:Young Adult