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No Longer a Luxury
Cosmetic surgery is no longer a luxury. With heightened awareness about procedures, technological advancements and more affordability, it has become popular across all socioeconomic brackets. Despite the uncertain economic climate—or perhaps because of it—men and women are taking a closer look at what's important to them. Being happy and confident is an emerging notion that is no longer considered selfish or excessive. People realize the importance of cultivating and maintaining inner and outer peace and well-being.
Benefits Exposed
More and more people are exposed to the benefits of cosmetic surgery through television shows and other media. With reality shows such as "Extreme Makeover," dramas such as "Nip/Tuck" and celebrities admitting to having "work done," the general public has become familiar with these procedures and the positive affect they have.
Due Diligence: Your Responsibility
It is true that surgical techniques continue to progress and the downtime associated with these procedures has dipped dramatically. However, individuals interested in pursuing cosmetic surgery need to understand that proper due diligence is their responsibility and priority for finding a surgeon that is right for them. Doing research and educating yourself is paramount.
- Make sure that your surgeon is an accredited and skilled doctor with solid training and extensive surgical experience. Verify a physician's medical license, certifications and professional society memberships. Ask what it takes to be a member or to be board certified in a specialty.
- Ask about the surgeon's medical education and training specific to cosmetic surgery and the procedure that you are considering. How many and how often has the surgeon performed the procedures that you are considering?
- Is the facility accredited? Two nationally recognized accreditation organizations are the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), which accredits 3,215 surgery centers, and the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), which accredits 1,100 surgery centers. Achieving accreditation can be a time-consuming, expensive process; some surgeons resist seeking accreditation for these reasons. To earn accreditation, a surgery center must meet quality standards designed to ensure the safe delivery of care to patients. Accredited facilities undergo on-site inspections every three years to ensure adherence to standards and to demonstrate improvement in quality of care.
- Be sure you understand and accept which procedures are appropriate for you. Set realistic expectations.
- Do you have a comfortable rapport with your surgeon? Do you feel at ease with the staff? Much of your communication will be with them. Do they address your concerns to your satisfaction? Don’t settle for an incomplete answer from anyone.
- Don't be fooled by false promises or “bargains.” Despite the fact that prices for cosmetic surgery in the United States have stabilized and, in some areas, dropped, there are still those who opt for low-priced vacation surgery packages in foreign countries with surgeons with inadequate specialist skills and training.
Unfortunately, we have witnessed an increase in the number of patients seeking second opinions for revision surgery; they’re desperate for us to fix what went wrong. In most cases, correcting an unfavorable outcome may take several surgeries, resulting in longer recovery time, greater discomfort than originally expected, results that probably won’t be as good had the surgery been performed correctly from the start and, of course, much greater expense.
Lunchtime Procedures
We have recently experienced an upswing repairing work poorly done. Minimally invasive surgeries have captured the attention of many who want the sublime and natural-looking results of a five-hour long surgery in less than 60 minutes, at the price of a six-course degustation dinner in an upscale restaurant.
These "lunchtime" procedures are designed to restore your jawline; address wrinkles and frown lines; remove excess fat; and tighten droopy skin on face and neck with no downtime. They claim to be safe and easy and to have you back at work quickly, with lasting and more affordable results.
While such procedures may turn out well for some patients, many have endured not only disappointing results, but unfortunate complications and irreversible damage. Be wary of procedures that offer a "one size fits all" approach regardless of age, facial structure or degree of skin aging. In the end, looking for a quick, easy and cheaper fix through plastic surgery is not recommended. Protect yourself, especially your face and body. Above all use common sense: choose your cosmetic surgeon as you would any other health-care provider.
Your Search Pays Off
Respected and talented surgeons are willing to communicate with you at length to make sure you understand the procedure, the process needed for recuperation and its realistic outcome. They are available to you at any time before and after the procedure to ensure that all goes well and that you feel safe and comfortable. At the North Shore Center for Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, all patients can access their surgeon 24 hours per day, seven days per week, through the healing process and beyond.
Beginning Your Transformation
By educating yourself and holding realistic expectations, you’ve opened up a world of possibilities through cosmetic surgery. You’ve chosen to enrich your life, improve your self-esteem and be more in tune with the person you know you are. Life expectancy is on the rise, so why not make your 60s your new 40s? When you decide whether to have cosmetic surgery, follow your heart—and education—and do what feels right for you.
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Cosmetic Surgery: Mainstream