Signing the Informed Consent Form for Cosmetic Surgery

Signing the Informed Consent Form for Cosmetic Surgery

Before undergoing surgery, patients are required to sign a medical document known as the surgical informed consent form. This form is presented by the treating physician to inform the patient about the details of the planned surgery and obtain their consent. Cosmetic surgery is considered a voluntary procedure often initiated by individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements. To ensure a smooth and trouble-free execution of cosmetic surgery and to prevent unnecessary complications and medical disputes post-surgery, it is crucial for the treating physician to fulfill their duty of informing the patient prior to the surgery, ensuring the patient’s right to informed consent, and obtaining their signature on the informed consent form.

In essence, cosmetic surgery can only proceed when information disclosure obligations and the right to informed consent are adequately safeguarded.

It is the responsibility of the physician to fulfill the duty of providing information. Therefore, before the patient signs the informed consent form, the surgical physician should provide a comprehensive explanation of the surgical method and its underlying principles, the rationale behind the incision design, the selection of anesthesia method, the anticipated duration of the surgery, potential intraoperative issues and precautionary measures, as well as the patient’s role in the process. Additionally, it is essential to provide a detailed overview of the expected postoperative reactions, such as swelling, bruising, or discoloration, including their occurrence timeline and duration, the natural healing process of the surgical incision, the timing for changing dressings and removing sutures, along with relevant precautions.

This detailed information aims to prepare the patient mentally, alleviating any unnecessary anxiety that may arise from experiencing normal postoperative reactions. Furthermore, it is imperative to discuss the anticipated outcomes of the surgery, potential complications, weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and transparently disclose the entire treatment process, associated costs, and other pertinent details to empower the patient to make an informed decision regarding the surgery and the chosen surgical approach.

The surgical informed consent form is a written document that captures the specific details of the information provided during doctor-patient communication. The patient is requested to carefully read and fully understand the contents of the form before signing it. The signing of the surgical informed consent form signifies mutual agreement based on the principles of informed consent. Both parties receive a copy of the signed form, which holds legal validity and should be properly preserved.

The basic content of a cosmetic surgery informed consent form includes the patient’s real name, gender, age, occupation, home address, telephone number, preoperative diagnosis, surgical name and method, surgery date, medical record or surgery number, and the signatures of the patient or their family members, as well as the doctor.

In addition, special attention should be given to the following aspects:

1. In cosmetic surgery, doctors make every effort to meet the patient’s expectations, but due to individual differences in aesthetic preferences and limitations of current medical standards, it may not always be possible to achieve the desired outcome. Complications or less-than-ideal results may occur.
2. Potential complications such as bleeding, incision infection, or scar hypertrophy may arise after surgery due to factors such as anesthesia impact, inadvertent damage to surrounding tissues or organs during the procedure, or bleeding. It is important to understand and accept these risks. In such cases, it is crucial to cooperate with the doctor’s recommended treatment and actively resolve any conflicts, rather than engaging in unreasonable disputes or claims.
3. The informed consent process should include a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical techniques, as well as the potential complications associated with each. If the use of biological materials is required, the patient should be informed about their performance, origin, price, and any uncertainties regarding their long-term effects or lifelong safety and efficacy. This information allows the patient to make an informed decision.
4. While cosmetic surgery aims for quantitative aesthetic restoration, achieving precise quantitative results may be challenging given the current technological capabilities. Patients should have a realistic understanding of this limitation.
5. After surgery, it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. If any abnormal symptoms or complications arise, prompt follow-up visits should be scheduled to seek appropriate medical care. Patients should refrain from taking any unauthorized actions, as they bear responsibility for the consequences.
6. Natural recovery of the surgical site takes time, typically ranging from 3 to 6 months. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as age, physical condition, surgical size, nature, and location.
7. Patients with a history of mental illness or other specific medical conditions should truthfully disclose this information to the doctor before surgery. Failure to do so may result in personal liability for any consequences arising from the omission.
8. The surgical informed consent form should clearly outline the potential outcomes of the surgery, predict the associated risks, and provide strategies for managing possible complications.