Considering Surgery

Why Have Cosmetic Surgery?

The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one. While everyone has his or her own reasons for undergoing elective surgery, the most commonly cited goal is to look and feel better. In appropriate candidates we see over and over again the positive impact that cosmetic procedures can have on self-esteem, confidence and overall outlook on life. The most common benefits of cosmetic surgery include the following:

Feeling more comfortable and at ease with one’s appearance.
Greater enjoyment in social and athletic activities.
More energy.
Increased feelings of vitality.
Positive effect on relationships.
Renewed sense of pride and self-confidence.
Freedom to wear swimsuits and the styles of clothing a person chooses, rather than simply what fits, is comfortable, or best conceals trouble spots.
Motivation to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Common Reasons for Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is sometimes performed to correct a natural imperfection, while other times the goal is to reverse the effects of aging or pregnancy. More specifically, some of the most common reasons for undergoing cosmetic surgery include the following:

To improve the appearance of a biological feature (i.e. a large, crooked, or bulbous nose or very small or very large breasts).
To slenderize and contour stubborn spots on the body that are unresponsive to diet and exercise (i.e. a large or loose midsection or “spare tire,” pear-shaped hips and “saddlebags,” or sagging skin in the triceps area of the arms.
To restore the body to a more slim, taught, and youthful appearance.
To restore the abdominal area to a more flat and toned, pre-pregnancy look.
To lift and reshape breasts sagging as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight loss.
To tighten and remove excess skin after significant weight loss.
To smooth and tighten the face, eyelids, and neck and to reduce wrinkles.
To reclaim the refreshed glow of youthful skin.
To reconstruct the face or body after an injury or illness.

Why Accept What You Can Safely, Successfully Change

Those who are not familiar with cosmetic surgery research will often state that people should focus more on accepting physical imperfections, rather than trying to change them. The truth of the matter, however, is that research shows that when a patient is emotionally healthy, the psychological benefits of cosmetic surgery are undeniable; and, often “fixing” one flaw will lead to greater acceptance of other imperfections, ones that are not so easily altered.

Jumpstart a Cycle of Health & Happiness

Plastic surgery alone will not change every aspect of your life. That being said, what starts as a change in appearance, often leads to an overhaul in lifestyle. Many patients come in frustrated and literally stuck in a rut of poor self-esteem, poor eating habits, poor health, and a sedentary lifestyle. In other words, they have given up. The wonderful thing that happens is the results of their procedure(s) create a flood of good feelings that motivate them to make further improvements. So while cosmetic surgery will not change your life, for the right person it can be the catalyst to changing quality of life.

Real People & Shame-Free Surgery

Another common myth is that only celebrities or wealthy men and women have cosmetic surgery. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2006, nearly 2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the US alone. One of the reasons that surgery is now so commonplace is that many surgeons are offering affordable financing plans, which means cosmetic procedures are no longer reserved for the rich.

A second reason is that the cloud of shame hanging over plastic procedures has lifted. Finally, men and women have realized that there is no embarrassment in wanting to look your best. If you can look on the outside as youthful and vivacious as you feel on the inside, why not? The only embarrassing thing is walking around looking older, more tired, and more stressed than you need to feel. When it comes to your surgery, tell everyone you know or tell no one at all. Your decision is personal and should be kept as private, or made as public, as you feel comfortable.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Right for You?

Many people wonder if they are appropriate candidates for cosmetic surgery. While the best way to find out for certain is to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon, the following are some initial criteria to help you to determine your own candidacy:

1. I am over 18 years of age and fully developed.

2. I am in generally good physical health.

3. I am interested in undergoing cosmetic surgery to make myself look and feel better, not to please someone else.

4. I have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

5. I am committed to continuing the positive improvements started by the surgery– i.e. healthy eating, exercise, and proper sun and skincare.

6. I am a non-smoker or am willing to give up smoking for a period prior to and immediately following my surgery.

7. (Applicable only to some procedures) I do not plan on becoming pregnant in the future; I understand that a future pregnancy may negatively impact the results of certain procedures.

8. I am at a medically healthy weight.

9. I am in overall good mental health.

10. I understand that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance; I am able to work out a payment plan that is suitable for my budget.

12. I am bothered by one (to a few) physical imperfections; this negatively impacts my self-image.

If you meet the above criteria, you may significantly benefit from cosmetic surgery. To further evaluate your candidacy and have your questions addressed in person, contact us and his staff to make an appointment for your free consultation.