Since the start of this pandemic, the government has imposed measures to limit the spread of the infection. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been advocating for the strict compliance of physical distancing, hand washing, and disinfection. Since these measures are being observed even in hospitals and clinics, consultations have been limited as well.
Fortunately, technology has enabled our plastic surgeon, Dr. Zaydon, to continue serving patients using telemedicine. Telemedicine is an alternative to in-person consultations between the patient and the doctor.
Experts were able to conduct a plastic surgery consultation through electronic channels as early as two decades ago, per a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Using digital photographic data, the plastic surgeon, along with the physician and hospital residents, were able to manage the patient’s treatment plan successfully.
Telemedicine in plastic surgery
By 2015, plastic surgery evaluations had evolved through telemedicine using tools like iMessage, FaceTime, SMS, Skype, Google Apps, and other cloud-based services, per a study in the Journal of American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In today’s more advanced digital technology, here’s how plastic surgery evaluations through telemedicine work:
- First, Dr. Zaydon’s plastic surgery clinic sets up a virtual system to talk to patients during consultations.
- Before entering this virtual consultation room, we ask patients to schedule an appointment online.
- Patients should note that a telemedicine evaluation does not completely replace in-person or face-to-face examination.
- As much as possible, in-person is still the better option, but in some circumstances (in this case, it’s the COVID-19 pandemic), an online consultation will suffice for the meantime.
A 3D Simulation
Some clinics have invested in their own virtual platform where plastic surgeons may conduct a 3D simulation of the patient’s physical evaluation. In some platforms, the patient may also upload photos to show to the doctor. The plastic surgeons may also coordinate with other doctors in the virtual consultation room while the patient listens to the evaluation.
Consultations through telemedicine in plastic surgery are managed similarly to in-office consultations. Whatever data or detail gathered from these consultations should later be useful for the actual face-to-face consultations.
After-Surgery Consultations
In the same way, our plastic surgeon may also conduct follow up evaluations via the virtual platform after the plastic surgery. This process is more beneficial since patients do not have to leave the house for the surgeon to continue checking on the post-operation wound. It lessens the patient’s risks of infection as there will be no unnecessary exposure.
As we are spacing consultations to serve you better, our office is only open by appointment. We strongly encourage our patients to book an appointment online. However, our plastic surgery expert witness surgeons are available in emergency cases.
Learn more about Dr. Zaydon’s plastic surgery expert witness services
Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zaydon serves as an expert witness on liability cases around the country. He has reviewed many cases and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant.
Dr. Zaydon offers several ways to remove a scar, so your options are not limited. For inquiries, Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
