Cosmetic Practice

Our cosmetic practice is set up a bit differently than most cosmetic offices. We believe in developing relationships with our patients, providing patient education and informed consent. This practice Guides our efforts to improve patient expectations and outcomes.

Our Model is based off of best practice research and guidelines published by Dr. Tebbetts.

Tebbetts, J. B. An approach that integrates patient education and informed consent in breast augmentation. Plast.Reconstr. Surg. 110(3). Sept 1, 2002.971-978 Started with Breast– utilizing "the best breast" book and web site www.thebestbreast.com.

Because this Model demonstrated such success we have adapted it to all other elective cosmetic surgeries and procedures.

Team work approach with Dr. Williams and Sandie offer:

• Free Consultation with Sandie and Dr. Williams
• During this consultation Sandie’s role will be to:
• Provide Flexible and unhurried environment
• Develops teaching plan for patient education:
  • Personalize written information
  • Clarify questions
  • Review pertinent topics
  • Answer patient questions
  • Equip the patient to better communicate with the surgeon
  • Screen for suitable candidates
  • Defines realistic outcomes
  • Discuss available alternatives

This consultation better helps the patient understand and focus on realistic choices instead of unrealistic perceptions

Dr. Williams role:

- Reviews basic information with patient
- Patient and surgeon make final choices
- Surgeon will help patient reconcile their desires and choices
- Define realistic goals, expectations, and limitations
- Reemphasizes potential risks and complications

Our belief in Informed Consent is one of the key factors in our process

- What is Informed consent
- Lack of informed consent
- Recurrent problems in informed consent
- Key factors of informed consent

What is Informed Consent

- Informed consent is more than simply getting a patient to sign a written consent form.
- A process of communication between a patient and physician that results in the patients authorization to undergo a specific medical intervention

Key factors of Informed Consent

- Information
- Understanding
- Free, voluntary consent

Information

The information provided should be adequate to the task at hand.

- Who will perform or supervise the treatment or procedure
- Description of the proposed treatment or procedure
- Description of possible risks and complications
- Discussion of potential benefits
- Discussion of available alternative treatments
- The consequences of

Understanding

The individual making the decision should understand the information you provide.

- Language

- Presentation of information

Allow the freedom of questions

Consent

Individual’s decision to consent or refuse treatment should be free of undue, coercive influence.

Lack of Informed Consent

Lack of consent is an issue of battery and negligence

Recurrent problems in Informed Consent

- Identifying adverse effects
- What to disclose
- Limited disclosure
- Full disclosure

Obtaining the Informed Consent

- The responsibility for informed consent remains with the physician
- May delegate the duty of educating patients to auxiliary staff

Most Importantly Informed Consent

Written agreement, implies patient participation in medical decision making and documents a process.

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