HIPAA law and doctors not showing before/after photos - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

KayB · 08-14-2006, 04:29 PM

I have visited with one aesthestic dermatologist and one plastic surgeon regarding a fat transfer or possibly now sculptra treatment...

I have asked for before and after photos for my review of their own procedures and in both cases they stated HIPPAA laws now prevent them from showing pictures...

The dermatologists nurse showed my pictures taken in the UK that she had in an album, probably supplied by the manufacturer...

Is this garble or is it true now... seems if one is willing to sign a waiver to have the pictures shown, what would be the problem...

averimomma · 08-16-2006, 10:26 AM

Now when I had my breast reduction about 6 weeks ago they had a huge book full of before and after pictures of every type of plastic surgery that the doctor had done. I did not see any of the faces of the people. How would someone know that a certain picture of a set of breasts are my before and after photos without my name or a picture of my face. My husband was not happy about them taking the photos and did not want anyone else to see them but I seen someone elses photos to see what I was getting into before I did it. I am frusterated right now with the surgery but last week I got to see before and after photos and I am very impressed. Keep searching and good luck. I know that hippaa keeps names and photos of faces under lock down and if something like that is revealed then it is a very hefty fine.

MinMin24 · 08-16-2006, 09:31 PM

I just like averimomma had a breast reduction 3 weeks ago and when I went to my plasric surgeons office he had his portfolio that I can browse through to see his work and what I can expect. HIPPA can not release names and faces like averimomma said.......when I had my consultation I had to sign a waiver allowing the plastic surgeon to take before and after photos to be used in his portfolio as well as my personal folder....I would find a plastic surgeon that will allow you to view a portfolio because there are doctors that do that.....hippa policies will let dr's show photographs but can not release any personal information about the patient. I am glad that they do before and after photos as it helps patients see what they can expect....I just had my post op pics and are happy with my before and after photos...after seeing them I knew I had made the right decision by having them done.......well good luck and keep searching for a ps that will show you a portfolio...cause they do have the right to show you as long as the ps themselve obtained permission from the patient