Your Questions
Your Questions
Q:I would like my cranium to be more symmetrical. I didnt notice how misshapen it was until I started going bald. The shape is extremely incongruous with my handsome face. I would love to have a consult via skype. thank you for your time.
A: The true shape of one’s skull (cranium) often remains hidden under the cover of hair. For women this rarely becomes a subsequent issue as their hair pattern and density is more stable. This accounts for why I have had very few adult women requesting any skull reshaping procedures. For men, however, close-cropped hair or an eventual bald pate makes the shape of the skull very obvious. This is particularly true when it comes to the back of the head or the occipital region.
While loss of hair makes the skull shape more obvious, it also limits what can be done from a surgical reshaping standpoint. The use of scalp incisions and the subsequent scar must be considered as an aesthetic trade-off for a abetter shaped skull. For many men, this trade-off may not be a good one.
Skype is a wonderful to communicate for potential plastic surgery patients. It allows patients to ask questions and get answers from an expert from the convenience of their own home. I always ask patients to send me some pictures of their concerns beforehand so I can have a good idea during our online discussion. If one has a webcam that is even better as a video consult is the most interactive and informative.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Q: I would like to have a consultation but live far away. Can I get some answers to my questions on the phone or by e-mail? I have read that some plastic surgeons consult with patients online. Is that possible?
A: The large amount of internet material on cosmetic surgery has helped to fuel the demand for these procedures. But access to the internet is not, unfortunately, always the best way to get accurate information. Prospective patients still need a professional to help them decipher what all they read means and how it applies to their individual needs. While an actual visit to a plastic surgeon and a face-face consultation is a necessary step before ever scheduling surgery, the accessibility and low expense of the internet provides a very convenient method to answer some basic questions from afar.
In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, I use the internet service, Skype, for webcam video conversations. For the first time in medical history, it is now possible to have an online video discussion with a plastic surgeon from anywhere in the world provided you have a webcam on your computer or laptop. (you can even do it from your smartphone)
To take advantage of this option, first find a plastic surgeon who offers Skype and performs the type of cosmetic procedures in which you are interested. Then go to the Skype website, download the application and register under your name. This process is free and takes less than five minutes to do. You will need to add the plastic surgeon to your contact list. That requires knowing how their name is registered and that should be available on their website. In my case, it is dr.barry.eppley. Add the name to your contact list and then send a message requesting a video conversation.Tell briefly in the message what your subject area or concerns are.
While this video conversation method is not a replacement for having an actual consultation in the plastic surgeon’s office, it provides a unique opportunity to ask questions directly to a plastic surgeon without leaving the comfort of your own home or city. It can be a great first step in your informational gathering process.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis Indiana
Q: I am interested in receiving a jaw and chin augmentation. I live in Canada. I have a consultation scheduled with a local plastic surgeon in a week, however I see that Dr. Eppley is very experienced in the procedures I am interested in. My question is do your do consultations over the web? If so, I would like to schedule one. I would like to have the procedure done this summer.
A: The internet has enabled patients to access information from anywhere in the world. This is no less true in plastic surgery. Through the free internet service, Skype, phone or video discussions are easy to set up and do. While this video conversation method is not a replacement for having an actual consultation in a plastic surgeon’s office, it can be a great first step where you can actually talk directly to a plastic surgeon without leaving the comfort of your own home or city.
I have offered free Skype consultations for over a year and have interacted with people from all over the world. To take advantage of this opportunity, go to the Skype website, download the application and register under your name. Registration is free and takes but a few minutes.You will then need to add me to your contact list. My Skype contact name is dr.barry.eppley. Add my name to your contact list. I will get a message requesting me to add your contact to my list. Once I have done so, you will get a message confirming so. You can then send me a message describing what your plastic surgery needs are. We will then work out a convenient time to get together on Skype for an in-depth conversation.
Dr. Barry Eppley