Realistic Expectations in Aesthetics: The Balance Between Surgeon and Patient
Aesthetic surgery is not merely a physical change; it is a multilayered transformation process with psychological, emotional, and social dimensions. For this transformation to be healthy and satisfying, success depends not only on a well-performed surgery but also on proper communication between the patient and the surgeon. Realistic expectations lie at the core of this relationship. Honest guidance from the surgeon and a conscious approach from the patient ensure that the aesthetic journey is both safe and fulfilling.
What Is a Realistic Expectation?
A realistic expectation is one that aligns the anticipated outcome of an aesthetic procedure with the patient’s anatomical limitations, age, skin quality, and the possibilities of surgical techniques. In other words, recognizing the gap between “what is possible” and “what is desired” makes expectations realistic.
For example, some patients consider relief from breathing problems after rhinoplasty sufficient, while others may desire the nose structure of a completely different face type. Unrealistic expectations can lead to dissatisfaction even with a technically successful surgery.
Why Is Balance Between Surgeon and Patient Important?
Transparency, trust, and a considerate approach are essential in communication between surgeon and patient. The surgeon is not merely the operator of the procedure but also a guide who sets boundaries and, when necessary, can say “no.”
To maintain this balance, the surgeon should:
● Objectively evaluate the patient’s physical structure
● Assess psychological status and motivation
● Provide detailed information about the outcome
● Clearly explain the risks
● Offer alternative treatment options
Meanwhile, the patient’s openness to the process makes the journey more effective.
Reasons Behind Unrealistic Expectations
- Social Media and Filter Culture
Visual filters and edited photos, particularly among younger individuals, can distort perception. The thought, “My face can look like this,” creates unrealistic goals.
- Celebrity Idol Effect
Believing one can have Angelina Jolie’s lips, Bella Hadid’s eyes, or an influencer’s nose shape stems from comparisons that disregard individual facial proportions. - Past Aesthetic Disappointments
Previous unsuccessful or poorly informed procedures may cause patients to place excessive hope on a new process, raising expectations too high.
- Psychological Factors
Conditions like body dysmorphic disorder can cause severe distortions in body perception. Such patients may remain dissatisfied regardless of what is done.
The Surgeon’s Responsibility: Drawing a Realistic Roadmap
The surgeon must not only listen to expectations but also manage them. To achieve this:
● Photo-assisted counseling: Tools such as before-and-after examples and computer simulations help patients visualize outcomes.
● Highlighting limitations: Statements like “I can perform this nose surgery, but the shape most suitable for your facial proportions is this one” guide expectations.
● Offering alternatives: Surgery may not always be necessary; presenting non-surgical options when appropriate also demonstrates ethical practice.
● Maintaining open communication: Patients should be encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification at every stage.
The Patient’s Responsibility: Making Informed Decisions
Patients must not expect miracles from aesthetic surgery but should respect their own body and its limits. For this:
● Conduct thorough research beforehand
● Make decisions with long-term thinking, not temporary emotions
● Choose surgeons based on expertise and experience rather than popularity
● Avoid expecting everything to change in a single session
A conscious patient actively participates in the process rather than shifting full responsibility onto the surgeon.
Realistic Expectations = Higher Satisfaction
When managed properly, the outcome is not only physically but also emotionally satisfying. Since the patient understands what to expect, they can interpret changes during recovery more clearly. The statement “It turned out as I expected” is the result of not only surgical success but also effective communication.
Are Revisions Mainly Due to Expectation Mismatches?
A significant proportion of revision surgeries are not caused by technical failures but by unmet expectations. For example, a patient may consider a technically successful rhinoplasty unsuccessful if the nose seems “too upturned,” or a facelift inadequate if it is perceived as “not tight enough.” Often, the disconnect lies between imagined and realistic outcomes.
For revision patients, the surgeon should perform a detailed initial assessment and, if necessary, refer them to other specialists (psychiatry, dermatology, etc.) to better manage the process.
Harmony in Aesthetics: Technique, Communication, and Awareness
Aesthetic surgery is a balance. Alongside technical expertise, artistic vision, experience, and ethical standards, communication and expectation management are integral to success. The strong bridge built between surgeon and patient is the key to safe medical outcomes and aesthetically satisfying results.
In conclusion, aesthetic surgery is not a process of “recreation” but of “revealing the best version of what already exists.” The cornerstone of this process is respecting reality and setting goals in harmony with it.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone No : +90 (555) 100 10 83
Contact Link : [email protected]
Address : Levent District, Karanfil Araligi Street No: 18 Besiktas/ISTANBUL
