By Dr Eddie Cheng
(FRACS, Specialist Plastic Surgeon)
“I certainly think it’s very important (for clients) to have realistic expectations. It does take a bit of time to understand what my patient wants and whether I can deliver that result. And, sometimes, what I think is a good result might not be what the patient thinks is a good result. So it’s important for us to be able to understand that and align us in a way to achieve a common goal.
If we need to readjust their expectations, I would certainly spend a lot more time talking to them about that. From the initial consultations, we really spend time understanding what they want. But at the same time, if what they want is a little bit unrealistic, then we do have to have a good chat to them about that. Unfortunately, in some situations, I do also have to involve a psychologist or psychiatrist to see whether we can help them along the process.”
