Nipntuck Myths: Who Performs Cosmetic Surgery?
November 23rd, 2015
TOP MYTHS OR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY
Patients often ask me some of the same questions and many of them are the myths that I will address in this new series.
MYTH: Only plastic surgeons can legally perform cosmetic surgery. Surprising there are no restrictions governing what type of physician can perform any medical or surgical procedure. Virtually every state in America, provides that any licensed physician can do brain surgery, open-heart surgery, etc. However, common sense usually limits the scope of a doctors own practice. So it is important to understand individual qualifications when choosing a cosmetic plastic surgeon. Basic facts to consider include evaluation of Board Certification/s, (American Board of Medical Sub-specialties) and the quality of patient surgical results. Another important indication includes both patient and physician referrals. All of this information is equally important and is significant in not only choosing your cosmetic plastic surgeon, but any physician under your consideration. Understanding the qualifications of your cosmetic plastic surgeon is paramount, board certification is the gold standard. Do your homework and check here at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
1 in 5 Consider Cosmetic Surgery
April 8th, 2015
A new study has found that 1 in 5 American women actively have considered having cosmetic surgery. According to the New York Daily News, a report commissioned by RealSelf.com showed a rising trend to consider cosmetic surgery. Young women aged 25-34 were among the most likely to want to change for some part of their body. Women over 45 particularly expressed displeasure about the appearance of their neck/jowls. The survey seems to coincide with that age range within my own practice.
It is surprising how influential social media has become, as reflected in dissatisfaction of having photos taken being in the top 5 reasons that patients wanted cosmetic surgery. The survey results about patient expectations for wanting cosmetic surgery are ranked as follows: 1. Self-esteem, 
2. Confidence level,
 3. Happiness, 4. Comfort having photo taken, and 5. How I look clothed.
Now compare results to the same survey after having cosmetic survey. They are basically the same, except that patient’s opinion of their own sex appeal rises to the number 5 spot. In my 30 years experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon, I believe that patients are sometimes embarrassed or reluctant to share the real reasons that they want cosmetic surgery. Perhaps after having surgery, their boost in confidence enables patients to accurately report their personal opinion in evaluating their sex appeal. I find that people in general follow the old adage, that if you think you look good, you also feel better about yourself. I think the survey reflects these same attitudes. In the age of social media and the popularity of “Selfies,” it’s probably more important than ever.
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