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Newsletters
Making the Decision
to Have a Cosmetic Procedure
Dr. William
P. Adams, M. D. , F. A. C. S.
Director of The Adams-Seckel Center
Making
the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal one. It may
be something you have thought about for years but never pursued for a
variety of reasons. Modern techniques are revolutionizing the ability
to sculpt the body and reduce the signs of aging. These techniques have
fueled a dramatic increase in the number of cosmetic procedures being
performed.
Because of this increase we have decided to dedicate this issue of our
newsletter to a discussion of the decision process that most patients
go through when they decide to have a cosmetic procedure. We hope that
this discussion helps you with your decision.
As always, our first concern at The Adams-Seckel Center is you. We take a personalized
approach to your care. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, please
call us today for a consultation.
This Issue
Cosmetic
Surgery - The Decision is Yours
Fast Facts
Questions for Your Doctor
How to Choose a Surgeon
Cosmetic
Surgery—The Decision is Yours
Your
Feedback is Important
Is there a particular topic or procedure you would like to
see covered in an upcoming issue of Look and Feel Your Best? Let us
know by calling 617.262.2208 or using our online
contact form. |
To accept yourself and your body is important if you
are to love yourself and keep a healthy outlook on life. You look in a mirror
day in and day out. It's only natural that you would want to change something
about the way you look. Many of us have done just that without ever seeing
a plastic surgeon. You change your eye color with tinted contact lenses,
try that diet that you just read about in the magazine that says you can
lose 15 pounds in the next couple of weeks, put extra make- up over a scar,
tint your eyelashes, or line your thin lips to give them extra definition.
Sometimes what you want is a permanent change. You think it's time to do
something about that birthmark you were born with, or the fact that you
can't loose that extra fat around your hips or tummy no matter how much
weight you lose and how much exercise you do. Maybe what you want is to
just stop looking so tired all the time.
When the idea of permanent change crosses your mind, so do a lot of questions.
This is usually the point of some soul searching.
Fast
Facts
"Baby Boomers" are continually turning to cosmetic
procedures to further improve their self image. The average patient
is 30-50 years old with an increasing trend for men to consider plastic
surgery. There also is a trend to having smaller procedures performed
earlier in life around the 30s and 40s instead of waiting until one
thinks that everything needs to be done.
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Am I Just
Being Vain?
Since you were 8 years old you thought your nose was too
big or your ears too large. If there was one thing you could change about
your appearance that would be it. Now at 38 you are seriously considering
talking to a doctor about your nose or ears or any other flaw that you have
lived with for the past 30 years.
You question yourself wondering if maybe you are too vain, or should you
spend your money on a cosmetic procedure. What will people think? But you
keep coming back to the same thing–you don't like the way you look
and you want to do something about it. You want to finally take some action
and make some changes.
Now that you have decided to take this step you may actually think about
other parts of your body that you want to change. You are in the process
of expanding what you think a doctor can "fix" for you. After
all, we all want to look and feel our best, and you are no different. You
think that this will help you have more confidence and give you control
over your life.
Questions
for your Doctor
- What
are the options for the procedure that you want done?
- Can
it be done with laser surgery or endoscopic surgery?
- How
much pain will there be and how long will it last?
- How
long is recovery expected to be for this procedure?
- Will
you have the time needed for the recovery period?
- What
can go wrong?
- What
are the risks?
- Where
will the procedure be done?
- What
kind of anesthesia will you have?
- What
are the anesthesiologist's qualifications?
- What
is your doctor's definition of a successful procedure?
- What
are your alternatives to the particular procedure
- that
you have decided on?
- Ask
the doctor about his or her qualifications as a plastic surgeon.
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Back to Reality
You must remember
that cosmetic surgery is not a cure all. Lifestyle choices, diet and exercise
are also important considerations and vital components to maximizing any
treatments that you receive. You must be brutally honest. Is it solely your
appearance you want to change? How close will surgery come to creating what
you imagine? How do you see yourself after the surgery? In the end, surgery
is not for everyone. Beauty comes from the inside as well as the outside
and that's a lesson that comes with maturity.
Your Next Steps
Now that you
have decided to have surgery, your homework is just beginning. There are
many choices and options for you to consider. You need to be educated about
the procedures that you want and the services that your doctor provides.
Talk in depth with a certified surgeon. Be up front with your doctor. Ask
him or her how realistic your expectations are. I can't stress enough how
important realistic expectations are. Also, keep in mind that the most important
factor in determining the next steps is your overall health.
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How
to Choose a Surgeon
Did you know
that any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery, even
if his or her training is in a non-surgical specialty? That's why it's
important for you to investigate the credentials of any surgeon with whom
you plan a consultation.
Ask your family doctor or friends for a referral. Call several surgeons
and talk with their staff. Ask for written information about the doctor.
Check for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ABPS
certification means that the surgeon has completed an approved surgery
residency of at least three years and an approved plastic surgery residency
of an additional two to three years. Board certification is obtained only
after the candidate has been in plastic surgery practice for at least
two years and has passed rigorous written and oral examinations.
Check for membership in the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgeons (ASPRS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS). Check the surgeon's hospital affiliation.
Talk candidly with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon
will explain the procedure and give you literature describing preoperative
considerations and postoperative care. You should feel comfortable discussing
your expectations and any aspect of the surgery. Your surgeon will be
happy to answer your questions, informing you of the possible risks and
side effects associated with surgery.
At The Adams-Seckel Center for Aesthetic Surgery, we are committed to providing
honest and straightforward information about how you can look and feel
your best by focusing on your overall health and well being. We define
overall health to include physical, mental and emotional factors. Why
not call us today for a consultation?
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