I want to begin by saying that I had a good consultation with Dr. Stong. I found him to be…read moreknowledgeable and talented at what he does. Based on his before-and-after photos and the results I saw, I had every confidence that he was capable of delivering a beautiful surgical outcome.
Ultimately, after extensive research and multiple consultations with several surgeons, I chose another surgeon. This was not because I believed Dr. Stong was incapable or less skilled. In fact, I believe both surgeons are highly talented and would have likely provided excellent results.
What changed my perspective was what happened after I made my decision.
Following my consultation, I first received calls from his office staff. Then I began receiving text messages from Dr. Stong's personal cell phone questioning my choice and expressing surprise that I had selected another surgeon. The messages included comments suggesting I would be "getting half the results," that I was falling for marketing schemes, criticism of the other surgeon's training, and repeated insistence that he was the better choice.
Unfortunately, the communication did not stop there. I received text messages after midnight, phone calls, and additional text messages that continued over the course of three days after I had already made my decision clear and was no longer responding. What began as an unexpected follow-up ultimately became persistent enough that I felt I had no choice but to block further communication and write this review.
As a patient, I found this uncomfortable, disappointing, inappropriate, and ultimately very unsettling.
Patients invest significant time, emotion, money, and trust when choosing a surgeon. We research, compare, ask questions, review outcomes, and make the best decision we can for ourselves. Once that decision has been made, it should be respected. A patient should never feel pressured to defend their choice, justify their decision, or continue discussing it after the matter has been settled.
What stood out to me most was that the decision was no longer about surgical skill. It became about professionalism, communication, boundaries, and respect for patient autonomy.
I understand that surgeons are passionate about their work and take pride in their results. However, there is a difference between confidence and repeatedly contacting a patient after they have made an informed decision to go elsewhere.
My consultation experience itself was positive. The communication that followed was not.
I sincerely wish Dr. Stong and his practice continued success, and I believe he has helped many patients achieve wonderful results. However, I also believe prospective patients deserve to know that how a physician handles a patient's decision can be just as important as the surgery itself.
Technical skill gets someone on the list of surgeons you're willing to consider. Character, professionalism, communication, and how they handle patients often determine who you ultimately trust.
