Today in Arbrea Talks, we are speaking to Dr. Gabriele Giunta, an excellent Italian plastic surgeon that lives in Belgium and whose main specialty is breast surgery, both reconstructive and aesthetic. In this session, he will be talking about The Emotional Dimension of Technology, which means how Arbrea Suite strengthens the connection between plastic surgeons and patients.
How Patient Expectations Have Evolved
The internet factor has helped in informing patients much more than ever before. They are more informed and educated, mainly due to social media. And when they come for a consultation, they have an idea of how they want to look.
However, this has also shifted their expectations and concerns into a different direction. Why? Their expectations are shaped by unrealistic images they see online. Of course I am referring to Hollywood celebrities or even social media influencers. This muddies the waters, as the patients feel lost and don’t understand why the same thing can’t be done for them.
So I help my patients understand that each one of them has a unique anatomy. Not everything they’ll see can be done for their body, because it’s not a ready-to-go template. It needs to be personalized.
I can certainly say that managing expectations has become a crucial part of the consultation process. And that’s why I am thankful for Arbrea’s solutions.
How Has Arbrea Improved the Consultation Process
I use Arbrea in almost every consultation. Let’s assume that I have a patient that wants to put a big implant in. No problem, it’s doable. Unfortunately, I can see that it will not suit her body whatsoever. With Arbrea I can show how this specific implant is not the way to go, and explain why it won’t suit her.
Sometimes you can even use it in the opposite way. What I mean is that you don’t have to convince the patients which is the best solution for them, because in the end of the day it’s not a product, but a service we provide. However, we need to educate them, alert them on the complications they might face, and what would be the best implant for her to have.
One thing is 100% true, the fact that I use Arbrea a lot. I use it to show the patients, what are the results they can achieve, always taking into consideration their pre op situation. And I also explain what technique I will be using. In the end of the day, I am only doing what I think is necessary for each patient.
How Has Arbrea Improved the Consultation Process
Traditional methods still have their place. I consider them as an added value, and not something to be discarded. That’s why I continue to use before-and-after photos and external sizers to show real patient outcomes. However, Arbrea adds significant value because it personalizes the experience. Before, patients would rely on images of other people, but now they can see potential results on their own body.
In my practice, I use Arbrea in the second consultation. The first meeting is about understanding the patient’s goals and discussing the procedure. The second consultation is when I use Arbrea to show the expected outcome and finalize the implant selection. This approach reassures patients and ensures they have a realistic expectation of the surgery.
”Understanding each patient’s unique anatomy and setting realistic expectations is as crucial to a successful surgery as the procedure itself.
Dr. Gabriele Giunta
Understanding Patient Expectations and the Role of Planning in Surgery
First and foremost, it’s essential to truly understand the patient sitting in front of you. If we’re talking about a woman considering breast surgery, I need to determine if she has a realistic expectation of the outcome. If she doesn’t, I actually prefer not to operate because it can lead to complications. I’m not talking just medical, but also emotional and psychological ones.
Unfortunately, some patients will still find another surgeon willing to proceed, often for reasons I prefer not to speculate on. However, as surgeons, we go through years of intense training and education, and our consultations are a fundamental part of ensuring successful outcomes. The consultation is not just a formality, but the key to success in any plastic surgery procedure. Managing expectations is as important as the surgery itself.
The Future of AI and AR in Plastic Surgery
AI and AR are already transforming the field, and I believe their impact will only grow. That said, I have colleagues that are adamant that they don’t need tech to do it. I don’t try to force it upon them, but I also tell them it doesn’t hurt to try. Because patients increasingly want to see accurate previews of their results, and these technologies will make simulations even more precise.
But I do worry about the rise of misinformation. Patients are starting to ask AI tools like ChatGPT for medical advice, going as far as asking which implants to choose! I have had it happen to me personally. A patient said ChatGPT suggested a 300 CC prepectoral implant. And I told them, they might as well do the operation themselves with ChatGPT. While AI can be a great tool, it can’t replace a trained surgeon’s expertise. Our role as doctors will be to integrate these technologies in a way that enhances patient education while ensuring they still rely on professional medical advice.
The Power of Social Media in Patient Decisions
Social media has a huge impact. Many patients choose their surgeon based on Instagram followers rather than qualifications, which is concerning. I’ve had patients ask me why I don’t have hundreds of thousands of followers like some surgeons who are more focused on marketing than medicine.
It’s crucial for patients to choose a surgeon based on expertise, experience, and proper training. And not just popularity on social media. There is no second chance to get surgery right. Complications can be treated, but prevention is always better than correction.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Arbrea Talks with Dr. Gabriele Giunta provided valuable insights into the evolving relationship between technology, patient expectations, and modern plastic surgery. As Dr. Giunta emphasized, understanding each patient’s unique anatomy and setting realistic expectations is fundamental to achieving the best outcomes.
With tools like Arbrea Suite, plastic surgeons can bridge the gap between expectation and reality, enhancing the consultation process with personalized, data-driven insights. However, as technology advances, it is crucial to balance innovation with expertise, ensuring that patients remain well-informed without falling into the trap of social media-driven misconceptions.
Stay tuned for more conversations on Arbrea Talks, where we continue to explore the impact of AI, AR, and innovative technology in aesthetic medicine.
About Dr. Gabriele Giunta
Dr. Gabriele Giunta is a dual board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon based in Italy and Belgium. He completed his medical degree in 2012 and specialized training in 2018 at the University of Palermo. With fellowships at Universitäts Spital Zürich, UZ Brussel, and CHU de Bordeaux, Dr. Giunta specializes in breast, lower extremity, and head and neck reconstruction, along with aesthetic surgery and non-surgical treatments. He became a Fellow of FEBOPRAS in 2019 and is currently a consultant at CHIREC-Delta Hospital and UZ Brussels, while pursuing a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. He is also an active speaker and published author.
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