A Message To My Patients

As patient and physician, ours is more than a relationship; it's a partnership. A partnership is based on mutual trust and confidence. I want to ensure that you get an accurate diagnosis and treatment that's best and most satisfactory for you.

To give you the best, most thorough care possible, I need some things from you:

1.  Communication: If you don't understand what I'm telling you, please tell me. If you don't understand a treatment, prescription instructions, or my diagnosis, please tell me. I'm willing to explain as many times as needed..

2.  Clarification: Tell me what you need to know about your condition. If I've told you to take it easy until your condition improves, and you want to know if you can go to work, watch television, or go shopping, please ask me any specific questions you want answered that I may have omitted or not been clear enough.

3.  Satisfaction: Be sure you're comfortable with what I've recommended. If you're not, please tell me. We can discuss alternatives..

4.  Understanding: Understand that medicine is a science, but it's also an art. Doctors don't always have the perfect, no-questions-asked diagnosis, treatment, or cure. I'll use my knowledge to evaluate your condition. I can do a better job of treating you if you keep me informed, continue to ask me questions, and give me honest information about your medical history and current symptoms or problems.  

5.  Information: Tell me when something is troubling you, whether it's that my front door is difficult to open, that one of us was short-tempered with you, or that the prescription I gave you doesn't seem to be working. If I know when you're unhappy or not fully satisfied, I can do something about it. If you keep it to yourself, I'll never know. Sometimes, the information you keep to yourself may affect the course of your treatment or recovery.

In return for your involvement and communication, I promise I'll communicate with you to the best of my ability. I believe the result will be a stronger relationship.

Sam Speron, M.D.

Considering plastic surgery is a significant decision that requires careful thought and planning. As Dr. Sam Speron, I advise patients to reflect on several critical factors before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure. Here are five reasons to reconsider or delay plastic surgery:

1. Unrealistic Expectations

It's essential to have a clear and realistic understanding of what plastic surgery can achieve. While these procedures can enhance your appearance, they won't transform you into someone else or solve deeper personal issues. Expecting perfection or believing that surgery will completely change your life may lead to dissatisfaction. As a plastic surgeon, I emphasize that surgery should aim to enhance your natural features, not create an entirely new persona.

2. Underlying Health Concerns

Your overall health plays a pivotal role in both the safety and success of surgical procedures. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues can increase surgical risks and impede recovery. It's crucial to manage any chronic health conditions and be in optimal health before considering surgery. I always conduct a thorough medical evaluation to ensure my patients are suitable candidates for the procedures they desire.

3. External Pressures

Deciding to undergo plastic surgery should be a personal choice, free from external influences. Whether it's pressure from partners, friends, or societal standards, making changes to your body should stem from your own desires and not to meet others' expectations. I encourage patients to reflect deeply on their motivations to ensure they are pursuing surgery for themselves.

4. Financial Preparedness

Cosmetic procedures can be a significant financial investment. It's essential to assess your financial situation and ensure that undergoing surgery won't lead to undue stress or financial hardship. Additionally, consider potential costs related to recovery, such as time off work and post-operative care. I advise patients to plan accordingly and ensure they are financially prepared for all aspects of the surgical journey.

5. Emotional Readiness

Your mental and emotional state is as important as your physical health when considering surgery. If you're experiencing significant life stressors, such as a recent divorce or job loss, it might be wise to postpone surgery. Emotional instability can affect your perception of results and overall satisfaction. I recommend that patients be in a stable and positive mental state to ensure the best outcomes from their procedures.

In conclusion, plastic surgery can offer numerous benefits, but it's vital to approach it with careful consideration and for the right reasons. As Dr. Sam Speron, my priority is to ensure that each patient is well-informed, prepared, and making decisions that align with their personal health and well-being.