Posted April 16, 2011 in Blog, Philosophy 101, Uncategorized
“Now, I return to this young fellow. And the communication I have got to make is, that he has great expectations.”
– Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
“Great Expectations” is not only a Charles Dickens classic novel, but also the standard that plastic surgeons are held to on a daily basis. One of the most important aspects of the facial plastic surgery consultation is the establishment of realistic expectations between patient and physician. In aesthetic medicine, as with life in general, we are disappointed when our expectations are not met. Just ask my mother in-law! Conversely, when our expectations are realistic, then we are usually satisfied and happy with our lot.
Aesthetic treatments and facial plastic surgery are not an exact science and unfortunately the best of us cannot give a 100% guarantee of results. When the proper tools and techniques are used by a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon, the results are for the most part excellent. With the recent trend in aesthetics toward less invasive non-surgical facial rejuvenation with fillers, Botox, lasers, and Ulthera’s face and neck lifting Ultherapy, the value of pre-treatment communication and understanding is even more essential.
We all wish to be satisfied, happy in our daily lives, and sleep well a night. Next time you consult with an aesthetic physician, make sure that your expectations are realistic; if that physician turns out to be Dr. Sunder or myself, be assured that though expectations can be great, most importantly we will do everything we can to keep them realistic so that they can be met. Next up, Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”. Be well.
Dr Michael Persky is located in Encino, California but services all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and more
