Complications of patient selection: recognizing the difficult patient

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Patient Evaluation

Background:

• Patient selection is a critical factor in achieving optimal outcomes in facial plastic surgery.
• Identifying unsuitable candidates can prevent complications and improve the surgical experience for all involved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental principles of patient selection for facial plastic surgery.
• To identify patient characteristics that may contraindicate surgery, regardless of the deformity or surgeon's skill.

Main Methods:

• Review of basic principles in patient selection for facial plastic surgery.
• Identification of patient categories with a high risk of poor outcomes or dissatisfaction.

Main Results:

• Certain patients are unsuitable for facial plastic surgery due to psychiatric disorders, unrealistic expectations, poor communication, or litigious tendencies.
• These patients often handle complications or suboptimal results poorly, leading to negative experiences for the surgical team.

Conclusions:

• Careful patient selection is paramount in facial plastic surgery to ensure positive outcomes and minimize adverse events.
• Individuals with identified risk factors require extended evaluation periods or should be considered inappropriate candidates for surgical intervention.