“You know what I wish?” My neighbor and new mother confided over lunch. “I wish I wasn’t so ashamed of my body.”
My
neighbor is a beautiful person with four healthy and adoring children,
yet I understood. Many women would empathize with her desire to feel
more beautiful and be more confident about their appearance.
It
isn’t a matter of vanity. For many, it’s celebrating the family they
brought into this world but wishing that sacrifice hadn’t taken such a
physical toll on their bodies.
Cosmetic surgery.
The very topic has a polarizing effect on most social circles. But in
today’s world, the perimeter of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery
reach beyond going “under the knife.” Although there is plenty of that,
too. When facing sagging breasts or a jowly jawline, how can we know if
seeking cosmetic surgery is the best option? Here are 3 things to think about.
Are you looking for a better version of yourself or the copy version of someone else?
Often
a patient’s disappointment stems from expectations placed too high on
the outcome. Kate Middleton has a fantastic nose, but not everyone can
successfully pull off that same feature.
“Understanding what can
be done given your personal situation is something you need to talk to
your surgeon about.” Wrote Christina Haller in the article,
The pros and cons of plastic surgery.
“If you walked in with Sarah Jessica Parker's nose expecting to walk
out with Natalie Portman's and instead ended up with Anne Hathaway's,
you have to be alright with that.”
Another thing to consider is
what is truly motivating this desire for change. Would this procedure
bring about an inner confidence that is lacking due to a physical
condition or is this desire motivated by a need to be accepted?
“Having
low self-esteem as a result of a physical attribute you’re not happy
with can affect all areas of your life,” wrote Haller. “There’s nothing
wrong with thinking you could be happier, as a result of being more
confident, if you could put your best face forward. Remember though,
surgery is not a cure for deeper issues such as depression or jealousy.
Be sure you are working through the root of the problem before going
under the knife.”
The idea of pursuing plastic surgery is to
improve what already exists. Don’t expect to come out of surgery looking
like a Victoria Secret model with tons of friends and a trouble-free
life. Instead, your goal should be attaining a younger, firmer version
of yourself that enhances a stronger inner self.
Do you need a procedure or just some pampering?As
new technology in aesthetic medicine is being introduced, many women
are finding satisfaction in “treatments” instead of “procedures.”
For example, a local company called
Venus Concept has
perfected a technique that offers patients a non-invasive treatment
using a Multi-Polar Radio frequency that delivers fast, homogenous
heating deep in the dermis where collagen is located without damaging
the epidermis. This “massage” performs deep penetration, lymphatic
drainage and stimulates both fibroblasts and circulation. In layman’s
terms, this means 30 minutes in a chair creates softened laugh lines and
wrinkles, tighter skin, contoured upper arms and abdomen.
“It
created subtle changes,” explained KUTV Channel 2 media personality
Shauna Lake. “Changes that made people say, ‘You look great and
well-rested.’ Or, ‘Have you lost weight?’ After the first day I noticed
results. That was really the only assurance I needed.” According
to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, doctors are
seeing the biggest increase in nonsurgical procedures with Botox leading
the list followed by chemical peels (Hyaluronic acid), hair removal,
microdermabrasion, and photo rejuvenation.
If you are feeling
dissatisfied with how you feel or look, rather than focusing on major
surgical procedures, first consider less committed options such as
regular massages or non-invasive techniques that improve your
appearance.
The cost.
Because most procedures are considered an elective surgery, that bill is yours to pay in full. For example,
breast augmentation can cost upwards of $4000 to $10,000
.Liposuction can reach totals of $11,000.
According to the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery,
Americans spent 12 billion dollars on cosmetic procedures. “Of that
total, more than 7 billion was spent on surgical procedures and more
than 5 billion was spent on nonsurgical procedures.”
What was the
most popular surgical procedure this year? Liposuction replaced breast
augmentation as the top procedure with eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, and
nose surgery completing the list.
“In 2013, more than 2.5 billion dollars was spent on
injectables alone.
In addition, nearly 1.9 billion was spent on skin rejuvenation, a
fast-growing sector of the aesthetic nonsurgical industry.”
“A
significant increase in the number of both cosmetic surgical and
non-surgical procedures suggests that people are once again investing in
their appearance and perhaps have more disposable income to do so,”
notes Michael Edwards, MD, President-Elect of ASAPS. “Given the state of
the economy and the competitiveness of the job market, we expect to see
the numbers for anti-aging procedures continue to increase.”
Keep
in mind, this isn’t the time to settle on the cheapest bidder. Be sure
to consult with a board- certified doctor who understands your desire,
has experience in that type of procedure and can be someone you trust to
handle the surgery well.
The “face” of cosmetic surgery is
definitely changing. It brings with it exciting and affordable new
options that are changing the way women view themselves. By considering
your expectations, your motivations and the financial impact this
decision may place on your family, you can consider whether or not
cosmetic surgery is the right choice for you.
