You thrive at public speaking and relish impromptu toasts. You're
a take charge confident kind of person who knows how to keep fluttering
butterflies at bay. And yet, when it comes to visiting a doctor
-- whether routine or unplanned -- you cannot help but feel your
anxiety on the rise.
So
imagine a medical practice so patient-focused that any pre-appointment
jitters, evaporate upon arriving at its handsome, comfortable office.
You see, at North Oakland Plastic Surgery in Rochester Hills, under
the direction of Richard Hainer, MD, the emphasis is less "bells
and whistles" or overstated claims, and more about the patient's
level of comfort, trust and satisfaction.
Stepping
into North Oakland Plastic Surgery, clients would be forgiven for
thinking they've walked into an exclusive day spa. The reception
area is well appointed, cozy and welcoming with warm hues, traditional
furnishing and "guests are coming" tidiness, while a stream
of natural light pours in, further enhancing the setting.
You're
greeted professionally and courteously, as hushed tones are the
norm in lieu of distracting guffaws or idle personal chatter. Again,
the idea is for you to be fully at ease. You breathe easy for you
know you'll be in good hands.
"My
philosophy from day one has been for each patient to be completely
comfortable from the moment they arrive, and for that level of comfort
to extend into the exam rooms and beyond," Dr. Hainer says.
He
explains his style of patient-doctor communication as first listening
fully to the client's concerns, after which the best course of action
-- agreed upon by them both -- is chosen, adding, "I never
begin by pointing out someone's flaws and then selling them a procedure."
In
fact, the first consultation is free. Dr. Hainer believes that in
this way "patients appreciate being able to talk openly in
a relaxed environment without feeling pressured to commit to a procedure."
For
example, during a breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Hainer may
recognize some other need that may no necessarily be solved the
augmentation alone. "I stress first and foremost the best approach
for every patient, which may not always be what they want to hear,"
and, he says, "if they're not keen with that recommendation,
I nonetheless stand firm. After all, they've already decided to
defer to my expertise once they've scheduled an appointment."
Indeed, North Oakland Plastic Surgery is not about one-size-fits-all.
Further,
Dr. Hainer, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine,
advocates anyone considering plastic surgery or related procedures
to do their homework.
"It's
really a matter of buyer beware, "he cautions. That's why he
encourages patients to ask questions of their doctor: Is the doctor
certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? At which
hospital(s) does he or she have privileges? "After all, finding
a qualified surgeon at the start reduces the need to have something
corrected later."
For
the record, Dr. Hainer, who is also a specialist in the treatment
of ailments and injuries to the hand such as carpal tunnel and ganglion
cysts, is certified by the ASPS and has privileges at William Beaumont
Hospital in Royal Oak and Troy, as well as St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
and Crittenton hospitals.
Finally,
Dr. Hainer is also helping raise the benchmark for professionalism,
respect and quality within his field. He points out that plastic
surgery continues to become more acceptable and more attainable
with more -- and younger -- individuals investing in maintenance
programs such as microdermabrasion with little or no recovery time,
rather than waiting several years to undergo a major treatment which
can be followed by a lengthy recuperation.
"As
these trends continue," Dr. Hainer says, "expect to see
an increase in the number of nonqualified surgeons offering treatment.
Unfortunately, there's a greater risk of customer dissatisfaction
and some bad PR for our profession."
Indeed,
dr. Hainer, whose own Web Site guides visitors on selecting a plastic
surgeon, possesses a bit of a maverick spirit beneath his affable
demeanor and ever-present smile.
"I
would rather someone be totally happy. If they feel the need to
explore other options, that's fine because I know I'm doing what's
best for the patient," he says.
Simply
put, "It's the right thing to do."
