Granted, it is very hard to know if this is the case. The best you can do is check into the professional background of a surgeon including his reputation and ethical record. But you must be sure to get a second or even a third opinion on your diagnosis, and also get a second or third opinion about the need for surgery. “Never” agree to have surgery on the opinion of one surgeon. You should always get at least a second opinion from a surgeon outside of that first surgeon's office. You should also not tell the second surgeon the first surgeon's opinion about surgery. Let the second surgeon tell you his own independent opinion. This way he or she is not swayed in any way. Things that could sway the second surgeon is his or her being a friend of the first surgeon, or if the second surgeon knows that the first surgeon is highly respected. In these cases, he may not want to disagree.  After seeing the first and second surgeon, you should fully understand your diagnosis and options. Do some research of your own on the Internet where you will find other surgeons' opinions (make sure they are valid) and the experiences of other patients (be careful here because many people can’t or don’t accurately describe their issues, the options they were given or the details of the remedy. People are often vague, inarticulate and don’t pay attention to or understand the details).             

          You may also want to see a doctor who is skilled in the medical area at issue, but who is not a surgeon, as he may have an alternative treatement to recommend before resorting to surgery.

          As for plastic surgery, other than to repair a burn or other disfigurement, these are largely elective surgeries. The plastic surgeon is always discussing an elective procedure and may point out flaws on your face or body that no one but you or he even notices. As electivity is the nature of his business, you need to be careful not to be demoralized by his pointing out your imperfections. He sells perfection and his job is to point out imperfections. So don’t be ready to buy so quickly. He is there to make you prettier- and himself richer. You may look just fine. 

          There are cases of surgeons who had financial troubles and may have exaggerated, or even outright lied to a patient about the need for surgery. Again, on the whole, we have to believe that this is the minority. We really have little choice. But we can educate ourselves, understand our diagnosis, and get a second and third opinion before agreeing to surgery. In my opinion, you want to use a surgeon associated with or working from a reputable hospital. This way you know he has been vetted and accepted by a reputable medical brand. As for emergency surgeries, do at least some research into the hospital or surgeons that are available to you. The internet can help you do this quickly. You should have an emergency plan in your family as to what hospital you want to be taken to in case of a spontaneous injury or illness.

          If you have good reason to believe you have been injured by an unnecessary surgery, contact The Siskind Law Firm today.