by Terrye Tebbetts
Before and after photos have always been a part of plastic surgery – a way to judge the quality of the result. But with the advent of the Internet, suddenly the role of photos in plastic surgery are changing……
“I went to what I thought was going to be my last consult and really liked the doctor except for one thing. Not only did he not have ANY before and after photos in the office( he says bc patients and their husbands don’t want pics of their boobs on the net) which doesn’t make sense to me bc why would they care if there are pics on a site intended for breast aug and PLUS no one would ever know it was them anyways. I can see how there would be some…maybe even quite a few paranoid pep. that would object but you would think at least 30% or so would consent right??
I know that having no pics is a red flag and I’m wondering if anyone else experienced this? The previous doc I went to had only 4 or 5 photos on the site but had a whole book in the office for me to look at. ”
Dr. Tebbetts and I are a classic example of the photo dilemma. We don’t publish photos on our website, but have them in our book and a large book of before and afters in our office for patients to look at if they would like to.
The main problem with photos is that patients will use them to “shop” for their result. You look for some one that is about your age, your height, your weight, had the same number of babies and you see if you like their result…..or if you have an implant size in mind – you look at before and afters with that size and decide if it’s right for you. This type of “shopping” is dangerous – - because no matter how much that lady sounds like you, she isn’t you and her result has nothing to do with you and your body, your breast tissue and your ps.
Before and after photos should be used to see and review a large body of work of the surgeon you are interested in – you may like some and hate some – but all the afters should be an improvement to the befores! Use photos wisely and they can be a tremendous help to you as you chose a surgeon – giving you an added layer of comfort in your choice.
Bottom line, all surgeons should have photos to show you – they may not publish them in a book, or on the net, but there should be some for you to review.
About the Author: Terrye Tebbetts is one of the most knowledgeable women in the world about breast implants, with 27 years of experience educating patients and 11 years as a patient herself. For more information about breast implants or breast augmentation Dallas surgeons, please visit www.thebestbreast.com.