Some might consider Americans to be obsessed with their looks, the fountain of youth and cosmetic surgery procedures.
We seem to think nothing of a nip here, a tuck there and a shot to fill in the wrinkles or make them disappear … to each his or her own is our motto. If people have the resources and means to look forever young, then more power to them.
There is no harm in physical enhancements or cosmetic procedures, as long as there is no harm done, right? It is all fine until someone gets hurt or has a bad experience, or worse yet, is disfigured for life for selecting the wrong surgeon or taking cosmetic procedures too far. It is a sad case when people encounter the wrong surgeon to perform the procedure or when they stop being realistic about the physical limitations of cosmetic surgery. We all have seen and read the stories about cosmetic surgery offenders and those surgeons who continue to augment them.
One of our featured surgeons stated in his profile: “He believes that cosmetic surgery should reveal the best of oneself - rather than a caricature of someone else.” His advice would be to stay within realistic and authentic physical boundaries when considering cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures.
In a recent article, Harvard trained, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Parham Ganchi stated, “just about any plastic surgery procedure can look ‘fake’ if overdone. Conversely, almost any plastic surgery procedure can look great if done properly.” Indeed, there is a fine line between “natural” and “fake” which is often a matter of public display. Many celebrities and stars have fallen prey to the knife and fillers, only to emerge looking unnatural and like a cartoon character.
The best doctors who truly care about their patients and long-term credibility educate their patients on the healthiest approaches to cosmetic surgery and outcomes. The objective of any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure is to emerge looking better, more youthful, but natural. Here are some tips and best practices when considering cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures:
Everything in moderation: more is not always better and less can be too little.
How many of you know people who have had unsatisfactory results with a breast augmentation surgery. Many women, who do not want to overdo it, get a “B” cup, only to find they want a “C” cup a month later, so they end up getting a second surgery. In addition, there are also the women who want the DD cup, and find they suffer from back pain or other issues, and end up back in surgery to get a reduction. Rule of thumb … it is best to take your time and do a lot of research on the procedure of your choice. Look at software or simulation programs to see what would best suit your frame and profile. More importantly, look for a surgeon that will answer all of your questions and give you a reality check if he or she thinks you are too unrealistic. There are many examples in Hollywood of people who took it too far – and now, they are stuck with the results or another surgery bill to try and correct the “problem” which may very well be their physical perceptions.
The difference between looking good and looking bad – is obvious!There have been major advancements in the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry. Now more than ever, surgeons can deliver more refined, precise results. Nevertheless, surgeons are still an “employee” of their patients, so patients really dictate the outcome. This is most unfortunate when patients have poor taste or do not understand how aesthetics apply to their personal and profile. Surgeons can only cut from the cloth they are provided, and there are physical impossibilities.
Case and point: a woman walks into the hairdresser and states she wants her hair like the picture … the picture shows a woman with thick naturally curly hair and the woman has fine, thin, limp hair.
People have to work with what they have, naturally. So, a doctor can only chisel so much away from the framework, if the original face is round and shapeless. Good surgeons will always consider the blueprint they have to modify, just like good architects. Cosmetic and plastic surgeons are craftsmen/women. It is like fine art, only they are dealing with living beings.
It is imperative for patients not to lose sight of their natural beauty and authenticity in the process of augmentation. Some parts will look much better with surgical work, others may just as well be left alone.
Fact … aging is a natural process and there is only so much you can do to fight gravity.It boils down to the laws of physics, and gravity weighs in as much as the loss of fat and collagen breakdown. Let’s “face” it time changes the shape of our faces and our bodies. Surgeons want to help you look your best, regardless of your birth year, but age is always a factor. There are only so many surgeries that can restore your youthful appearance and glow. Each patient is different and there are a combination of procedures, like: lifts, nips, tucks and fillers that can help. Ask your cosmetic surgeon what procedure is best for you at your age to help you get the best results for your age.
Getting the best out of the most popular procedures.Face Lift: The traditional face lift is the most popular, but now there are new face lift procedures that are not as invasive and reveal beautiful, natural results. There are mid-face lifts that pull back the lower region, jaw and neckline and do not look too pulled-back. The traditional “face lift” procedure is one of the most notoriously easy to spot procedures out there. Patients come in requesting that their entire face be pulled. The face can be lifted and tightened through different procedures, so ask your surgeon which procedure is best for you, your features and your bone structure.
Eyelid Lift: Otherwise known as a blepharoplasty, this is a surgical procedure to modify the eyelids and trim away sagging, drooping lids, and lift the area around the eyes. Again, there is a big difference between the outcome of a natural looking eye lift surgery and one that results in eyes that appear too wide or open. A skilled surgeon can perform this surgery with ease and make your eyes look natural and youthful, instead of miss-shaped and “surprised.”
Breast Implants: Breast augmentation is the most common surgery, aside from liposuction. There are plenty of photos and examples of bad breast surgeries to help patients determine a size and shape that fits their frame, realistically. A good surgeon will guide patients to the right size and technique to achieve balance and avoid implants that look too obnoxious and over-done. Now there are natural breast augmentation surgeries, fat transfers and various implants to have a fuller, more natural bust-line.
Tummy Tuck: This is a very popular surgery among new moms. The tummy tuck is a common procedure performed in mommy makeovers. Women and men, who are uncomfortable with their bulges and excess weight in their mid-sections have the fat and flab trimmed away during this procedure. A tummy tuck can help people achieve a more proportionate body and get rid of unsightly fat to trim their waists and love handles. Typically a tummy tuck requires specific surgical techniques and
liposuction. Finding the right surgeon for your tummy tuck is the key to your desired outcomes.
Rhinoplasty: Since the nose is the center point of our face, we tend to focus on its shape and proportion, and how it impacts the profile. Any good nose job requires a great surgeon to avoid a pinched or unnatural look. Keep in mind that it is important to maintain some authenticity when getting this surgery. Getting too much shaved off can make your face look just as dis-proportionate as having too big of a nose. Before having this surgery, take your time to look at many photos and find the right surgeon.
Any cosmetic or plastic surgery is a big deal. It is a costly endeavor to change the way you look, so be conscious and wise of this decision. It is your body, your health and your life, so research the procedures and techniques that are right for you. More importantly, search until you find the right surgeon with the proper credentials and experience. Your body or face may only need to be moderately refined, so consider that before making drastic changes that are irreversible. Ask a lot of questions, look at a lot of photos, and visit and consult with surgeons, until you find the one that makes you feel confident in your decision to move forward.
Always plan ahead, and tell a friend or family member that you are having a surgical procedure. Assign someone to your well-being, until you are back on your feet.
In addition, if you are considering medical tourism or going abroad for your surgery, inform yourself of the surgical experience and requirements, expenses, facilities, differences in laws, wrongful death and insurance issues.
It is always better to be safe than sorry or to have to repeat a surgical procedure.
