As been frequently mentioned by Dr. Hsieh, owning certain specialist qualification is similar as obtaining an entrance ticket and it does not represent the doctor is “qualified” and “confident” to perform certain surgery. Nevertheless, obtaining a specialist qualification does signify that the doctor has progressed through numerous assignments, written examination, oral examination and residency training. After Dr. Hsieh passed his qualification as a specialist in maxillofacial surgery, he obtained the qualification as specialist in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon three years later as his interest and enthusiasm gradually developed. Since then, he focuses all his clinical interest at reconstructive surgery for craniofacial, head and neck.

Most doctors have performed this type of surgery but the surgery only accounts for a minority part of their disciple. Many doctors who are superman-like would claim that their “specializations” are from head to toes. Indeed, there is a greatly proportional relationship between execution rate and proficiency, especially in the case of surgeons. The surgery involves not only the proficiency of surgeons but also the familiarity of medical equipments and problem-solving ability of surgeon assistants, scrubbing nurses, circulating nurses, anesthesia team and all the surgical team. Besides, the familiarity with medical equipments and problem-solving ability of the team members are closely related to the “frequency” of the whole team in performing this type of surgery. Surgeons frequently mention that the “smoothness” of the surgical flow depends on the “familiarity” of the team with the environment. Therefore, the differences in surgical result exist in different surgical team. Dr. Hsieh has primarily focused his clinical interest toward the reconstructive surgery for craniofacial, head and neck.

Most medical units have to train a lot of interns, residents and fellows. Although education is a respectful matter, most patients are not willing to receive surgery from doctors with no experience (generally they will not be informed), especially surgery on their face. Dr. Hsieh spends abundant time to communicate with patients before the surgery. Most patients would demand to cut certain part more, cut certain part less, move certain part more or sharpen certain part less. Every of these tiny details are result of numerous communications and will be executed on the operating table. Dr. Hsieh cannot imagine that some doctors would entrust these “insignificant procedures” to the surgery team (regularly are doctors with less experience). In some hospital, it is common to see the same doctor-in-charge performing surgery at three “different” operation rooms at the same time. Dr. Hsieh “completely and personally” participates in communication, computer-assisted preoperative design, model surgery, cutting and suturing during the operation without dividing tasks to the others.

Due to their noble and high position, it may be hard to speak to some doctors as there are many doctor assistants/consultants who work under the doctor, or there is always a long queue at the outpatient clinic. Besides, this maybe an indication that the doctors do not personally complete all tasks and may easily neglect details. Another common sign happens if the doctor suggests you to switch to other type of surgery (to “cover” your real needs) when your needs are not the doctor’s specialization.

It is not an easy decision for facial bone reconstructive surgery. The patients and family may have a lot of questions. Dr. Hsieh does not expect to answer all the patients’ questions within one consultation session. It is common for patients to seek surgeon for multiple consultations. If you are overseas or in another area, you can always contact Dr. Hsieh on the phone. If Dr. Hsieh is in an operation or consultation session, he will call you back later.

A busy and skillful doctor should have hundreds of photos before and after surgery to discuss with you the surgical result and various possibilities. Additionally, the doctor should share with you the post-operative swelling and recovery condition one week, two weeks, one month, two months and etc. after the surgery.

Dr. Hsieh believes that it is the responsibility of every doctor to provide patients with the most advance service and technology in his/her specialization area. A good doctor should frequently participate in further education, teaching or sharing reports in medical seminars. Dr. Hsieh perceives these as a sign of passionate toward a specific field. In addition, the doctor should continuously urge himself/herself to provide the most appropriate contemporary standardized medical service to the patients.

A good medical environment should give you overall feeling of comfortable. Besides, the doctor and personnel should not be arrogant or cold-hearted but you should not feel overwhelm and pressure as these will be reflected on your overall medical care. Your interaction with the medical personnel plays an important role to the entire surgical experience. Nevertheless, you are going to entrust your face with the doctor and medical personnel whom you like. We welcome you to visit us for detailed consultation and interact with our qualified and well-trained personnel. You should personally try to experience our services as we maybe your accurate choice.

You may want to be careful with some doctors who unduly criticize other doctors or those who anxiously help you in arranging a surgery. It is possible that the doctor is lack of sense of security or skills and over-competitive, or even a display of jealousy. It is always wise to seek opinions from several different doctors because doctor who is excessively boastful or enjoys criticizing others frequently tries to hide some issues. A good doctor and medical environment should focus on problem-solving and conscientiously provide medical care/quality above the standard, but not constantly attacking others due to anxiety with gain or lost.

Dr. Hsieh is not just a general plastic surgeon.

Dr. Hsieh’s background is a maxillofacial surgeon and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is an expert in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery involving the facial bones. Besides, Dr. Hsieh often cooperates with other general plastic surgeons whom specialize in certain field and area to provide patients with the best medical quality service. Some general plastic surgeons frequently mislead the general public to select licensed plastic surgeon for surgery. Patients should be careful and aware of this mindset. If the general plastic surgeons do receive intensive residency training for orthognathic surgery and bone reduction surgery, every licensed plastic surgeon would have mastered the complicated facial bone surgery. However, this is opposed to the reality because only those who “specialize” in this field are qualified!