A lot of people had issues with what comedian Bill Cosby and what he had to say in reference to some of his sociopolitical views about African-American families and their communities. I commend him for taking a stand and I believe that what he had to say deserves merit.
As one of those people of color, I believe that we are taking ourselves back into a different form of bondage without even realizing it, however this time we are doing it to ourselves.
One of the three keys to a successful plastic surgeon and patient relationship is clear and honest communication. On your part, it is important to be forthright about the status of your health with any medications that you are taking and any long term illnesses. The doctor for your specific surgery will know how medications will negatively interact with anesthesia or recovery. And he or she will know if your medical condition(s) will be compromised or prevent the level of healing you would achieve otherwise. The same advice goes for smoking. Taking the doctor's advice about quitting as far ahead of your surgery date as possible can not only save you on healing time, but save the look of your scarring and it could possibly save your life on the operating table and thereafter. Another point on honesty has to do with the integrity of the plastic surgeon that you choose. He or she should be clear with you about their training, tools, and techniques. They should be able to talk you through the entire surgical process from prep to recovery and the necessary follow up visits thereafter; this should all take place during your thorough consultation. He or she should also leave no stone unturned; they should be able to answer any and all questions that you have. This brings us to the second key to successful plastic surgeon and patient relationship which is the level of comfort you feel with your surgeon. Do you feel as though your questions are being answered or skirted? Do you feel that he or she is taking their time with you and being as thorough as possible or do you feel rushed? Do you feel like the surgeon is listening and incorporating your vision for the results you would like with what is surgically possible? And after a minor procedure is complete, do you believe that he or she listened to you and is continuing the level of aftercare that you expect and need? Lastly, in order to find and maintain a successful plastic surgeon and patient relationship, you have to complete your research. If you know what you want and the background of the surgeons in your area then you will be armed with the information you need in order to get what you want out of your cosmetic surgery experience. If this research involves internet searches, conversations and portfolios with and of patients who have had the same procedure or having several consultations with several surgeons until you find the right fit for you, it is what you need to make you feel comfortable and to have a healthy outcome.
