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Patients Agree They Should Have Done More Homework
Before Surgery, ASPS Survey Reveals
Release: March 5, 2007

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Although 8 out of 10 cosmetic plastic surgery patients are satisfied with their surgical experience, nearly 40 percent believe they should have been more proactive in learning about potential side effects and complications before surgery, according to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) survey released today conducted by Harris Interactive®.

Interestingly, the findings suggest that some additional knowledge about potential side effects and complications may have improved patients’ surgical experience and outcome. Before surgery, 91 percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients said they knew what to expect; however, fewer than half recalled being informed of some common side effects and complications such as bleeding (48 percent), nausea and vomiting (42 percent), or blood clots (34 percent). Patients who experienced a side effect or complication reported being unable to accomplish tasks (35 percent), decreased energy levels (32 percent), and time away from work (27 percent) as negatively impacting their daily life during recovery.

In addition, some cosmetic plastic surgery patients failed to ask questions to help them evaluate whether their doctor was qualified to perform their procedure. Shockingly, nearly one-third (28 percent) of cosmetic plastic surgery patients did not check their doctors’ credentials before surgery. Furthermore, 37 percent did not check if their surgeon was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and 54 percent did not check if their surgeon completed an accredited residency training program in plastic surgery.

“While it is encouraging that most patients surveyed were pleased with the outcome of their surgery, the findings stress the continued need for patients to do their homework,” said ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD. “Ensuring your physician has the proper training and credentials and learning all you can about possible side effects and complications are essential when considering any medical procedure. You can afford to be nonchalant about some things, but surgery is not one of them.”

The survey was designed to assess the differences between 301 patients who had cosmetic plastic surgery (breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, etc) and 316 patients who had medically necessary surgery (gynecologic, orthopedic, ophthalmic, etc). However, both groups reported similar experiences, perceptions, and attitudes regarding their surgical experiences. Survey respondents were never directly asked about side effects at any point in the survey, but instead were asked about risks and complications, which in several questions included some well-known side effects such as nausea, vomiting and pain.

“The study suggests patients are not as aware as they should be when it comes to understanding possible side effects and complications after surgery,” said Dr. Guy. “Patients need to take a proactive role in their surgical experience, including asking how post-surgical side effects and complications could affect them and how to manage them. Listening closely to what your physician tells you about the potential risks of your procedure is also important.”

Additional survey findings include:

• 56 percent of medically necessary surgery and 57 percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients were concerned/very concerned about side effects and complications before surgery.

• 86 percent of medically necessary surgery and 82 percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients were satisfied/very satisfied with the overall quality of pre-surgical discussions with their doctors; however, nearly 20% of patients who had medically necessary surgery and nearly 30% of cosmetic surgery patients admit feeling uncomfortable asking their doctor or surgeon questions before surgery. ·
  75 percent of medically necessary surgery and 73 percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients believed their doctor completely addressed potential side effects and complications before surgery.

• Nearly one-third of all patients (33 percent of patients who had medically necessary surgery and 30 percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients) who experienced side effects and complications found them at least somewhat difficult to manage.

When preparing for surgery, patients should get answers to the following questions during their physician consultation and by reading the educational materials provided:

• What are your credentials and training experience?
• How many procedures of this type have you performed?
• Are there alternatives to surgery?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What do I need to do to prepare for surgery?
• What are the risks involved with my procedure?
• What type of anesthesia will I need?
• How can I minimize post-surgical side effects and complications such as nausea, vomiting, pain, infection or blood clots?
• How will complications be handled?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery period?
• Will my recovery keep me away from my usual, daily activities such as work? If so, how long?
• Additional survey results and a printer friendly version of the above checklist are available in the ASPS News Room at www.plasticsurgery.org.

The survey was supported by a grant from Merck & Co., Inc.