Don’t Hide your Peelings
Be honest with your surgeon regarding your medical history. I’ve had patients who only “remembered” their previous surgery after I found their scars and questioned them directly. One of these patients told me she’d done this because she had reacted to a medication during her previous surgery and thought that I would refuse to perform her procedure for this reason. What a dangerous deception! Never try to talk your surgeon into surgery - and don’t let him talk you into it either.
Respect Yourself … and Make Sure Your Doctor Respects You
Be as informed a patient for a cosmetic procedure as you would be for a medically necessary one. Make sure you understand your pre-operative consent form and other paperwork before you sign on the dotted line. And be responsible: If your surgeon advises that a family member or friend should drive you home and stay with you after your surgery, or makes other post-operative recommendations, follow that advice.
References
[5] Voorhees et al. Archives of Dermatology February 2007
[6] http://www.reuters.com/article/health-SP/idUSWNAS471820070627 June 2007
