Plastic Surgery Today

Cosmetic Surgery is becoming more and more popular throughout the United States. Each year, several million Americans undergo surgery to improve their appearance. A recent survey published in Psychology Today indicates that 40 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the shape of their noses and 25 percent are dissatisfied with the shape of their chins and necks. Furthermore, 30 percent of cosmetic surgery is performed on men, and this percentage continues to increase. 

More and more people are realizing that cosmetic surgery is now affordable. They recognize plastic surgeons are highly skilled specialists with specific training and an understanding of today's aesthetics. 

More than ever before, senior citizens have gained greater respect and a more active role in society – our seniors are living longer, staying fit and leading more active lives. Unfortunately, the aging process persists, leaving people looking older than they feel. Is it any wonder than that many are turning to cosmetic surgery to restore a more youthful appearance?

Today's America emphasizes a more youthful appearance regardless of one's chronological age. The business community commonly chooses the more attractive individual to fill an available position. A recent ABC documentary report clearly depicted an overwhelming preference for hiring a more attractive person if two applicants otherwise had exactly the same credentials. 

Clearly, many patients who undergo cosmetic surgery do so for economic reasons. Not only is this true for the fashion model, public figure, entertainment personality, corporate executive or professional person, but for anyone whose work or lifestyle requires that they interact with the public. A renowned psychologist reports that for students, "good looks affect school grades." Furthermore, he states that one's appearance can also "determine who will become friends, and affects the probability of prosperity..." 

Surgical procedures which were once thought to be "only for the rich and famous" are now commonly affordable and undertaken by men and women with average incomes. People save up for a much desired cosmetic procedure similar to saving for a piece of jewelry. These people feel that they are investing in themselves to improve their self-image and lifestyle. They recognize the affordability of cosmetic surgery and its potential returns.

• The goal of surgery is improvement, not perfection. Any patient expecting perfection is not being realistic and should not have the procedure performed. 
• Not every patient is a good candidate for surgery. Surgery is not recommended for everyone who requests it.
• A surgeon is a physician working within the biologic limitations of healing. The degree of success depends not only on the surgeon's skills but also the age, health, skin texture, bone structure, and the specific problems and expectations of the patient.
• Understanding the above limitations, both the surgeon and patient may project the possible outcome.

• Should all go well, a one step improvement would be a reasonable expectation.

An unrealistic motivation for cosmetic surgery precludes satisfying results. Although improvement in appearance may be psychologically beneficial by increasing self-esteem and self-confidence, cosmetic surgery is not the cure-all for all problems. Particularly, if one blames his or her appearance for lack of success or happiness in life, the patient's expectations may be surgically unobtainable or too risky. Each person is encouraged to discuss any concerns or fears with their surgeon. 

The patient should not expect to receive universal approval from family, friends, and acquaintances after the surgery is performed. 

Although pain and discomfort following cosmetic surgery are relatively small, the patient needs the maturity to accept any postoperative condition as temporary. Swelling, discomfort, firmness, and discoloration are typical for a short time after surgery. 

Any incision heals together by producing a scar. The surgeon has control over placement of the scars but no control over the healing process once the surgery is completed. In the initial healing period, scar lines will be pink and lumpy. They usually fade and become pale with time. While significant improvement can be seen in the first few weeks, subtle changes continue for the following year. 

Finally, the patient's attitude and health and adherence to the pre- and postoperative instructions play an important role in the success of the surgery. Each patient is strongly encouraged to see their personal physician for a check-up before surgery. Patients having eye surgery should see their eye doctor for an examination and visual field exam before having surgery. 

Minor facial asymmetries are common amongst most people. Noting these subtleties before your consultation is imperative to understand the limitations of surgery.