Otoplasy: The Importance Of Photos When Choosing A Surgeon

If you're undergoing ear surgery, you're probably quite concerned with choosing the right doctor. Otoplasty procedures can be complex and it is difficult to achieve a natural outcome. One important way to determine a potential doctor's skill is by assessing their before and after portfolio. All doctors carry a book filled with past patients and the results of the surgical efforts. The before and after photos are can help you judge the artistic and technical skill of the doctor.

Scarring: In the after pictures, take special note of any visible scarring. It is inevitable, but if you consistently see quite noticeable or unsightly scars, you'll want to question the doctor about these. The scars should blend in as well as possible with the body contours or hidden within the natural coloration changes of the body. The more well-hidden scars are, the more skilled the surgeon.

Time: Take special note of the age of the snaps. Ask when the ear surgery was performed and when the before and after was taken. Some surgeons may include several after pictures that chronicle the gradual healing process. Others may only have the initial before pictures and those taken six months to a year later. The surgeon should have a variety of recent photos as well as a few older ones from previous years.

Tricks: Some unscrupulous surgeons may use little tricks to make their before and after pictures more appealing. The shots should be photographed in front of a plain background, such as solid blue. The hair should be clipped away from the ears for the best view. Makeup should be minimal, or preferably none at all, to ensure it does not take attention away from the otoplasty itself.

Similarities: You will probably notice a patient or two who bear a strongly similar resemblance to your own features or specific otoplasty related problem. Take special note of these and take your time to examine them and ask relevant questions. If you see no similar patients then ask your surgeon if he can show you some that he does not keep in his portfolio. Pictures that resemble your specific situation or features reveal much about a potential doc's skills.

Results: The most important thing to look for when examining before and after photos is the end results. Does the ear look natural? Does the patient appear pleased? Do you think the surgeon performed outstanding work? There are always differing circumstances surrounding each surgery, so some results might be better than others, which is why it's important to ask for specific case by case information about the otoplasty.

Remember that while before and after photos of otoplasty patients are an important factor when choosing your surgeon, they will often put their best results in their portfolio. All surgeons, no matter how great, will have a small number of displeased customers. This is why you must take the photos as well as numerous other factors into consideration when making your ultimate decision.