Plastic Surgery. Should You or Shouldn’t You? Seven Tips.
By Andrea Berman
In the summer of 2022, I underwent cosmetic plastic surgery for multiple procedures: a neck lift, lower facelift, and eyelid blepharoplasty. The journey to decision day for the procedures was an emotionally fraught multi-year self-examination justifying what I wanted and why.
It is an undisputed fact that more women and men than ever before are opting for plastic surgery. The industry boasts a staggering $55.68B in global spending for 2022. These numbers are anticipated to increase dramatically to ~$72B by 2030. Yet, despite immense popularity, these procedures and the decisions to do them go for the most part unheralded by the world at large.
Stigma
I believe that this deafening silence is the result of the stigma that (still) surrounds them. Sifting through internal and external biases and judgments was certainly a factor in my lengthy process. And when there’s stigma, lack of clarity, knowledge, and shame usually lurk nearby.
The importance of education around and the open discussion of procedures like these cannot be overstated. Plastic surgery entails real cutting to the body and as such is replete with health risks.
If done well, it also is positively and wonderfully transformative.
Important Considerations
In the spirit of stigma-busting transparency, I would like to share a few of my plastic surgery learnings and important practical and emotional considerations.
If something bothers you physically, respect that feeling. There is no right or wrong or morality associated with a plastic surgery decision. What is good for you may not be good for someone else and that’s OK.
Understand your expectations from the procedure(s) and whether they are realistic. Surgery is not a panacea. Time marches on and aging will still happen after the surgery.
The choice of doctor is perhaps the single most important factor for the best possible outcome. Yet, there is murkiness in how to go about doing it. Here are a few tips:
Plastic surgeons are not generalists. Choose a surgeon that specializes in what you want done. Case in point, you wouldn’t necessarily have a facelift with the same person who mainly does breast implants.
Referrals from people you know and trust are an unbeatable way to identify quality prospective doctors.
Approach the first doctor’s meeting as you would an interview. Maintain a critical eye. Prepare a list of questions. You, as the patient, are the hiring manager.
Interview more than one surgeon to assess your options more clearly.
The first meeting may be overwhelming due to the amount of information and the emotions surrounding that information. Take notes to reference post-meeting. Don’t hesitate to reach back out to the doctor a second time or more.
Assess how well the doctor listens to what you want.
Review the surgeon’s credentials and certifications. This includes looking at a CV (many will have them on a website) and/or understanding his/her career education and progression.
Understand the credentials’ fine print and look beyond the marketing speak. For example, surgery residency is five years although anyone can obtain a medical license after completing just one year of residency.
Plastic surgery is as much an art as it is a science. Examine the before and after photos from each doctor. Different surgeons not only have varying levels of artistry but also different styles that may or may not be the right fit for you.
Health insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost of cosmetic surgery.
Plastic surgery is expensive and also varies by location. My strong recommendation is not to base a decision solely on price. High-priced procedures don’t necessarily translate into better outcomes. Conversely, this is also not the time to bargain shop.
Each doctor has a specific protocol that entails potential minimum health requirements, BMI, etc. Specific bloodwork and tests may be requested.
Post-surgery care for the first 24-48 hours or more for most procedures is often mandatory. Chances are you will have a choice to recover outpatient or at a medical facility which could be an unexpected cost. If you opt for outpatient, be absolutely sure to have someone to rely on for the first 24-48 hours.
A Few Final Words
Plastic surgery was a very good choice for me. It restored my confidence and mojo. However, each person has his/her own right path to follow. My hope is that the more we talk openly about this topic, the better and more educated we will become to do just that.
Good luck to you on your personal surgery journeys!
Andrea is a beauty expert with a blog, The Beauty Maestra. dedicated to those of us in our fifties and beyond who are interested in transformative insights about our specific skin and beauty needs.
If you are interested in more advanced eyebrow mapping, a video is linked here.
