Best Time to Have Cosmetic Surgery?
September 21st, 2021
When is the best time to have Cosmetic Surgery? Sometimes my patients want to know when is the best time for them to have cosmetic surgery. Unless there is a particular concern in scheduling the procedure, the best time to consider having elective cosmetic surgery really depends on how much something bothers you. I find that life circumstances may often drive the decision to make a change. Major milestones, such as a birthday, divorce or losing a loved one, sometimes contribute to wanting physical renewal. And now a new factor appears to be instrumental because during the pandemic, many people were commuting to the office via Zoom. This unusual situation seems to have influenced patients to make several lifestyle changes and cosmetic surgery nipntucks are apparently among those changes.
Of course, it is unwise to rush into the decision to have elective cosmetic surgery. The decision to have surgery requires thoughtful consideration. It should represent a thorough understanding of the procedure, pre-op preparations, post-op care and restrictions, and 100% confidence in your surgical team.
BEWARE OF PHOTO FILTERS: “Selfie-itis”
May 12th, 2021
Do you regularly use photo filters on social media like Instagram or Facebook? There is new data suggesting that the extreme use of glamor filters on social media might cause Body Dysmorphic Disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, BDD is described as intensely obsessing over your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. When someone gets used to seeing themselves in filtered Selfies that are not accurately representative of how they really look, dissatisfaction of personal appearance might start to take hold. Expensive photo altering programs used to only be available to Hollywood stars and advertisers, to create clear skin, flawless hair, and slenderized body parts.
Now in this hyper digital age, social media users are turning to relatively inexpensive custom filters to look perfect. Plastic Surgeons, including myself, are seeing more patients unhappy with their looks. It is important to know the warning signs when the habit of altering your image becomes an unhealthy obsession. If BDD leads to an obsession and the inability to function adequately in your daily life, perhaps it is time to consult with a mental health professional, not a cosmetic surgeon. Physicians, as well, need to be aware of what I call Selfie-itis and properly screen cosmetic surgery candidates.
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