Having difficulty adjusting to those unforgiving signs of aging? Finding it hard to keep your makeup from running in the creases? Hate that bump on the bridge of your nose? Wish you looked like a girl in your bikini instead of the boy next door? Feeling good about the weight you’ve lost, but hate the sagging skin? Think you would be promoted if you didn’t have that double chin? Tired of hearing people ask you if you store acorns in your cheeks?
Most people have one or two things they would change about their physical appearance if they could. Would you, if you could? There seem to be two camps of opinion on plastic surgery: the “don’t-mess-with-mother-nature” side and the “if-its-broken-fix-it group.”
Studies have shown that people with receding chins are perceived by others as weak, those with sagging eyes are thought to be tired and individuals with hooked noses are described as being untrustworthy. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it any wonder that those on the receiving end of misconceptions like these might struggle with self-esteem issues and want to level the playing field by correcting their physical appearance?
Like it or not, right or wrong, the reality is we live in a world obsessed by physical appearance. Even though you can’t fix a troubled marriage with bigger boobs or goof off at your job and expect a promotion because you had a nose job, self-esteem issues affect self-confidence which in turn influences nearly everything you do. In a world that worships at the altar of self-improvement, “be all that you can be” and “just do it” are phrases that resonate through to the world of plastic surgery.
If you are considering having plastic surgery, there are some things you should know before beginning a self-improvement campaign. First, surgery of any kind should never be taken lightly. Second, to make an informed decision you need to arm yourself with information.
What Do You Know About the Field of Plastic Surgery?
The field of plastic surgery is divided into two areas: reconstructive and cosmetic. Some physicians specialize in one area or the other; some straddle both fields to varying degrees. Both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery can improve physical appearance and enhance self-esteem, but there are differences.
Reconstructive Surgery - Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery improves the function and or the physical appearance of abnormal body structures. In some cases, a new body part, such as a missing ear, is created to achieve a more desirable appearance. Candidates for reconstructive surgery may have congenital or developmental abnormalities or deformities caused by disease and trauma. An example of a congenital anomaly (also referred to as a birth defect) that commonly requires surgical repair is a cleft lip. Trauma victims may require surgery for everything from minor scar revisions to extensive facial reconstruction. Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery is covered by most health insurance companies, although you should always check first to prevent unwanted surprises.
Cosmetic Surgery – Cosmetic surgery aims at reshaping existing body parts like redefining a nose or removing fat from buttocks or knees. Cosmetic surgeons also perform non-surgical procedures like injecting fillers to plump up thin lips or the cosmetic material BOTOX® to reduce frown lines and wrinkles. They also offer various skin rejuvenation services such as skin resurfacing, thermage (a non-surgical technology that utilizes radio-frequency energy to promote collagen deposition and skin tightening) and laser and light based therapies aimed at addressing problem areas in the superficial layer of the skin. Cosmetic procedures are considered elective and generally are not covered by most health insurers.
2008 Cosmetic Surgery Statistics
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), an organization restricted to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a leader in cosmetic surgery research, offers the following surgical statistics for 2008:
- Over ten million cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non surgical, were reportedly performed in the United States. Of the total, 17% were surgical events.
- The most common procedures were: breast augmentation (355,671), liposuction (341,144), eyelid surgery (195,104), rhinoplasty or surgery on the nose (152,434) and abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck (147,392).
- The majority of cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) or a whopping 92% were performed on women.
- Among women, the most popular surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: breast augmentation (enlargement), liposuction (removal of fat), eyelid surgery, tummy tuck and breast reduction.
- For men, the top surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: liposuction, rhinoplasty (surgery on the nose), eyelid surgery, breast reduction for enlarged male breasts, and hair transplantation.
- Percent of total procedures by age group:
35-50 yrs. – 45%
51-64 yrs. – 26%
19-34 yrs. – 22%
65 and over – 6%
18 and younger – 2%
For a complete list of statistics and emerging trends see www.surgery.org/press/statistics-2008.php.
Fees for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Procedures
Fees for surgical and non surgical procedures vary according to the type of procedure requested and the surgeon involved.
Procedure - The type of procedure you require determines the other elements that will be included in your total fee. Elements that may be included in a bill are: local or general anesthesia fee; assisting technician fee; anesthesiologist fee; surgical center or hospital fee; recovery facility (office surgical center or hospital) fee; charges for drugs, pre-and post-operative lab tests and x-rays; cost of facial or breast implants and so on.
Surgeon - Fees charged by surgeons are not standardized. Physicians in demand because of their expertise, reputation and years of experience tend to charge more per procedure than less seasoned surgeons. Another factor affecting the fee charged by a physician is the level of technical difficulty involved in performing the surgery and the time required to complete the job.
Given the wide range of fees, if you want to know what your surgery will cost, you will need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon. When you do, remember to inquire about all of the fees, not just the physician’s fee. Ask for an estimate in writing before you leave the office.
You should also check with your health insurer to determine if your planned surgery is covered by your policy, but a word of warning: Do so only after you discuss your procedure with your physician. Why? Because some procedures like eyelid surgery, ordinarily considered elective, might be covered if eyelid skin folds obstruct peripheral vision.
Locating the Right Plastic Surgeon
Choosing to have any surgery is a major decision, but once you decide to pursue the possibility, you will need to select a surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is skilled in his work and willing to discuss, in as much detail as you require, everything involved in the procedure you are considering. With cosmetic surgery, aesthetic outcome is highly important. Unlike an appendectomy, your goal is to look better not just survive.
The best advertisement for a plastic surgeon is a satisfied patient so ask around. If you are somewhat secretive and don’t want people to know that you asking for yourself, you can always say that a friend asked you for a recommendation. If you cannot elicit a name from your friends or acquaintances, use the Internet or phone book and pay attention to ads in newspapers and local magazines.
Once you have a name, the next step is to check out the surgeon’s credentials. Do it before you make an appointment because most surgeons charge a fee for an initial consultation. To waste your money on a fee only to discover after the fact that the desired credentials are lacking is pointless. Call the doctor’s office, indicate that you are considering surgery and ask the office receptionist the following questions:
- Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many years of experience does he/she have?
- Is the doctor a member of other professional associations and if so, which ones?
- Does the doctor have past patients to whom you could speak?
All of this information should be free. Write down the information you receive and check out online the member requirements of the professional associations named. Make an appointment only after you are satisfied that your own criteria is met.
How to Prepare for your Appointment
Spend as much time as necessary researching the kind of surgery you think you want or need. For example, if you know you want your nose corrected, gather as much information as you can about the procedure and make a list of questions or topics relative to the surgery that you want to discuss with your surgeon. Put “ask about credentials and experience” on your list along with “ask about fees and financing options.” If you have other concerns, write them down too—leave nothing to chance.
What to Expect in the Doctor’s Office
The day has come and you are on your way to the surgeon’s office for your initial consultation with your trusty list of questions in hand. When your name is called, you finally meet the surgeon and quickly discover that he has a few questions of his own.
The first question is, “Why are you here?” followed closely by questions aimed at eliciting your expectations of the surgery. Surgeons are, or should be, understandably worried about patients who expect plastic surgery to cure all that ails them. An improved appearance is one thing, an improved life quite another. Expect some probing on this subject. The surgeon is looking for psychological balance and realistic expectations.
What else can you anticipate on your first visit? The surgeon will examine you, ask about any medical conditions or problems that you have, ascertain what medications and/or supplements you take, ask if you smoke and what your alcohol intake is, review your past surgeries and inquire about your family’s medical history. There may be other questions pertinent to the type of procedure you are seeking such as size desired in a breast reduction or enlargement.
Once you and your physician agree on a particular surgery your surgeon should explain the procedure to you in as much detail as you require including pre-operative and post-operative care, likely outcomes of the surgery and any risks or potential complications that may arise. Together you will decide on such things as location of incisions, size and types of any implants that may be required and anesthesia type, general or local. Now is the time to ask about length of stay, healing time, scar minimization, swelling and what if the surgical results are unsatisfactory? Will your surgeon redo the surgery at no charge? Always ask to see before-and- after photos of the doctor’s own surgical work. This is standard practice.
Some physicians use computer programs that can predict, in a picture, how you will look with your new surgery completed. To use this program, your picture is taken and transferred directly to the computer application. The surgeon then manipulates your picture on the computer screen to demonstrate to you how you will look after a facelift, breast implant, chin implant, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, etc.
Before you leave the doctor’s office, you will be given a date for your surgery and instructions for preoperative preparation and postoperative care. If new questions arise between your first visit and your surgery, don’t hesitate to call the office for the answers or ask to speak to the surgeon.
You may be satisfied with the first surgeon you interview, but if not, repeat the process until you find the surgeon you want. This is not the time to take anything for granted and it is the time to be selective. If you care enough about yourself to want plastic surgery, you owe it to yourself to look for the surgeon who will give you the best result.
“There are only two things that determine which women will have plastic surgery: money and guts.” – Author unknown
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
