Handling Unrealistic Cosmetic Expectations

Enhancement Over Perfection

Patients seeking improvement in melasma, acne scars, or photodamage often expect perfection. Begin consultations by reframing goals: “My role is to help you look and feel better, not to erase every mark. Even small improvements can make a big difference.” By emphasizing enhancement over perfection, you prevent posttreatment disappointment and build confidence in the process. Providing pretreatment photographs and emphasizing “gradual progress” helps patients appreciate visible improvement they might otherwise overlook.
Ronald Vender, MD, FRCPC | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Counseling

I always recommend lifestyle changes when counseling around treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa, such as zinc/copper supplements, zinc body wash, and compounding resorcinol cream 15% to apply twice a day at the first sign of a new abscess under occlusion with a hydrocolloid dressing. 
Susan Poelman, MD, FRCPC | Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Bring Magazines to Work

I make it a point to bring magazines to work and distribute them between my medical and cosmetic rooms and reception areas. Interestingly, the reading material that gets the most comments is an older medical humor book, which I keep in one of my rooms. This joke book often results in patients sharing a joke du jour. Consider buying some joke books for your rooms—it helps calm nervous patients and shows your patients that you are a fun-loving person and not a cold, stiff physician.
Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC | Toronto, Ontario, Canada