Is Cosmetic Surgery for You?
Wanting to Look a Bit Better is One Thing, Fighting Time is Another
It wasn’t so long ago that cosmetic surgery was the province of the rich and/or famous. But that’s not necessarily true anymore. From 1992 to 2005, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says that the rate of surgical procedures (like liposuction or breast augmentation) rose 7.5% every year. This doesn’t count non-surgical procedures, like Botox injections.
Reasons for Cosmetic Surgery’s Rise
A good part of the increase is amongst so-called “average citizens”. Why? At least three reasons:
Plastic surgery isn’t a secret anymore--Whereas years ago celebrities vehemently denied having help in looking younger, today many trumpet the work in numerous articles and on TV.
The middle class was willing to spend the money—While the current economy may slow the growth down (although the ASPS’ latest prediction is that more than 55 million cosmetic procedures will be performed by 2015) for over a decade these procedures have been a splurge for the average consumer. It’s just been another item on the must-have list, like a plasma TV.
People living longer—While many older adults stop worrying about “fixing” their looks after age 70 or so, the younger group of boomers often still want to retain a youthful glow. That’s especially true as many “retirees” go back to work to enhance their income, even part-time. They find it hard to compete with the 30-year-olds without at least some minor help in looking better.
Myths About Cosmetic Surgery
All the experts agree that seeking plastic surgery to feel more comfortable probably won’t hurt. But doing it to pursue some idealized image of perfection or to change one’s life is totally unrealistic. One doctor remembers refusing a Japanese patient who brought in a picture of a round-eyed, fair-skinned Scandinavian saying, “I want to look like this.” That is as unrealistic an expectation as hoping for liposuction (the process of literally suctioning fat out of the body) to reduce 300 pounds to 180 pounds.
Remember, all the images out there of models and movie stars are falsified. Wrinkles are airbrushed out, breasts are enhanced via computers and so on. It’s next to impossible for a surgeon to provide that standard of perfection, at least for the long term. Those wrinkles return and butts eventually drop down again!
Getting Good Cosmetic Surgery Results
Unfortunately, there are very few regulations yet on cosmetic surgery. It’s too easy to find doctors with next to no training who’ll say, “Sure, I can do this work.” (That’s especially true in one of the most popular areas, liposuction.)
Experts recommend talking to at least two, and even three, physicians before starting. (Unfortunately, many of them note, most people spend more time checking out the credentials of their new car than their cosmetic surgeon.)
Here are some things to consider before you get started:
- Honest reasons for doing this—It's one thing for someone who’s always been uncomfortable with a huge nose to want to make it smaller. But getting a nose job (rhinoplasty) specifically to look like Sophia Loren is not a good idea. Also don’t expect surgical changes to create instant happiness. That’s got to come from the inside.
- Check each doctor’s credentials--He/she should be board-certified. Start by looking for professional associations of plastic surgeons. The doctors registered on their association’s websites should be certified, but make sure to ask to see their credentials once at the office. Two association websites that offer “Find a Surgeon” options are the ASPS and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Also check to see if a doctor has hospital credentials. That’s another mark in his/her favor.
- The doctor’s office must also be accredited, especially since many procedures are done in offices, not in hospitals. That means having the right staff, emergency equipment and other credentials.
- Get a list of total fees, especially since most cosmetic procedures (unlike reconstructive surgeries) are not generally covered by insurance. It’s important know not only the doctor’s fee, but cost of anesthesia and any other expenses.
- Be truly willing to follow the doctor’s pre- and post-op instructions, like not being allowed out in the sun for several weeks afterward (or at least not without extensive protection).
Above all, make sure the doctor clearly discusses not just the benefits, but potential risks, including scarring. (Most surgeries leave at least minimal scars.) Additionally, understand it’s not unusual to look worse before looking better. Swelling and redness, for example, are not unusual after-effects of surgery. Any doctor who casually says, “Oh, don’t worry,” is someone from whom to run, not walk away!
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