14 Things to Never Lie to Your Doctor About



Lindsay Tigar




How much you smoke, drink, eat, and exercise, whether you use protection during sex, how often you go out in the sun—it all matters
Your surgical history

When you first see a new doctor because you switched jobs and healthcare providers or relocated to a new town, you’ll be filling out tons of medical and insurance forms. A biggie in the long slew of “yes” and “no” checkboxes refers to your surgical history. From minor procedures to major operations, Manhattan plastic surgeon David Shafer, MD, says being honest about your past will help alleviate complications in your future. Though many of his surgeries are elective, every surgeon needs background info to minimize your risk for scar tissue, reactions, and more. “I always find it concerning when a patient tells me they have never had surgery, and when I examine them, they have what are clearly facelift incisions,” he shares