Patients who are considering revision surgery may wonder whether they should
go back to their primary surgeon. This depends on a number of factors, including the reason for the revision, the doctor’s qualifications, and the amount of trust and comfort that the patient feels with the surgeon.
Reason for the revision
Patients who were content with the results of the initial procedure but need a revision to make small adjustments or treat an injury should return to their initial surgeon. The primary surgeon will best understand the details of the initial procedure, making it easier to make adjustments. However, if the patient has lost their trust in their surgeon or has concerns with the technique used during the initial surgery, then it makes sense to seek out a second opinion.
Factors such as incorrect surgical techniques, a lack of experience, and poor post-procedural instructions can all lead to patients needing revision surgery. As such, returning to the same surgeon for a revision treatment could mean more problems down the line. An experienced surgeon will take the time to properly assess the patient’s current situation and determine how to address any existing issues, and ensure that nothing else crops up down the line.
The surgeon’s qualifications
Beyond being board-certified, it is essential that the selected surgeon specializes in the type of surgical procedure that was performed. Nothing can replace the experience that comes with frequently performing your procedure of interest. This can ensure that the patient receives the best care possible, as the surgeon will be well-versed in the treatment and know how to handle a multitude of potential issues.
Highly skilled surgeons with years of experience under their belt are the best equipped to assess a patient’s current situation and determine what anatomical issues are leading to their dissatisfaction with the outcome. They can also employ the best techniques available to ensure that further issues don’t arise in the future. Qualified surgeons know how to achieve the most natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing results possible.
The trust between the patient and surgeon
Most patients feel a great amount of stress and anxiety around choosing a surgeon for their revision treatment. Beyond looking at a surgeon’s qualifications, it is vital that patients choose someone who they feel comfortable speaking with so that they can freely divulge any concerns. In some cases, it is best to trust the initial surgeon to perform the revision surgery, as the patient has already built a rapport with them over a period of time. However, this ultimately depends on the level of trust that has been maintained with the surgeon that performed your initial procedure.
Patients who feel that they didn’t have a good rapport with their primary surgeon should feel free to seek out someone with whom they can develop a better rapport. Patients should use the initial consultation as an opportunity to express all concerns and get to know the surgeon. Having an open line of communication with the surgeon is vital when it comes to revision operations, as the patient has higher expectations for the results.
What is the takeaway?
Revision operations cause a lot of anxiety for patients, as they are faced with the question of whether to return to the initial surgeon or find someone new. Ultimately the patient will have to consider the reason for the revision, the surgeon’s qualifications, and how well they can communicate with the surgeon before making a decision. While no guarantees can ever be made about the expected results prior any surgery, it is important that you maintain trust in your chosen surgeon prior to embarking on any surgical procedure, in particular surgery that involves revision work. Covering these aspects will ensure that the patient receives proper treatment for their revision operation.
Dr. Weber frequently performs revision operations following rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and facial aging surgery performed by other surgeons. This expertise and experience is critical when choosing a surgeon for your revision.