The Pleasures of Follow Up With a Happy Patient!

I refer you to page 108 in my book, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON, The Expert’s Guide to Safe, Successful Surgery.  On that page in the section on correction of protruding ears, known medically as Otoplasty, is a photo Matthew Crosby before surgery and then after surgery in the office with yours truly.  The book reproduced a nice handwritten note from Matt saying, “Thank you for making me look better.  You did a great job.  From Matt.”  Plus a smiley face.

Dr. Kotler's Otoplasty Patient

So we received a Christmas card in December from Matt and his mom, Debbie Crosby.  The Crosbys live in the northwest but Matt has been going to school out east.  This tripych (collection of three photos) shows Debbie with school kids in India where she did some good missionary work.  Matt and Debbie are in the middle photo and on the right is Matt doing some photography.   Obviously Matt is a bit more mature than what is portrayed in the book because the current photos are about ten years after his surgery.  From the photos, his ears look good and natural and we are very gratified.  But most importantly, the Crosbys report that it was such a very positive experience for Matt to have his otoplasty procedure because he just felt a bit self-conscious as they stood out more than that of other young people.

One of the great joys of being a physician and particularly a cosmetic plastic surgeon are the inner rewards that come from having done good work for a young person that will last all that person’s life.