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ARE FRESHNESS AND BEAUTY IMPORTANT?
STUDIES BY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISTS suggest that the
physical appearance is one of the most important
components in the initial appeal or attraction
we have for other people. After the initial
impression, however, other factors tend to
replace appearance in determining the type of
relationship that ultimately develops. An
individual’s “self-image” is a major factor in
determining his or her economic and
psycho-social success in modern society. The
perception of physical appearance is a major
component of the self-image. One of the most
visible and outstanding elements of attractive
appearance is the face
Procedures
Cosmetic surgery is a specialized area of
plastic surgery in which surgeons correct
undesirable physical features and turn back the
clock on the physical signs of aging. It is a
special-ized field pertaining to appearance
(largely) rather than function; which is the
reconstructive side of plastic surgery. Many
plastic surgeons spent most of their training
and time dealing with the reconstructive aspect
of patient care. Some of us specialize solely in
the cosmetic side of plastic surgery.
Many people want to look
better due to a personal desire for
self-improvement. The quest for self-improvement
and feeling better about oneself and thereby the
ability to "put your best foot forward" is at
the basis of the reason to have cosmetic plastic
surgery. To achieve this, there are different
procedures and combinations of procedures which
enable the surgeon to create the artistry to
allow you to see how it was designed for
tailoring the results to your individual needs
and desired goals. Most surgeons today plan with
their patients for an improved look, eliminating
undesirable features, while maintaining a
natural appearance and enhancing good physical
characteristics, even at an advanced age.
Though many patients seek some
ideal physical image, the goal of cosmetic
surgery is improved appearance with a minimal
amount of surgery and a short period of
convalescence. Large changes can be made in the
very structure of the face and, although these
are available, they are rarely desirable for
most patients. Most people do not want to look
different; they, rather, want to look better.
Your appearance is vital
to a strong self-image. The reason for improving
appearance, whether through cosmetic surgery,
body sculpturing with liposuction procedures,
breast enhancement, or nose correction, is to
attain a more positive self-image. What could be
more exciting than the apparent reversal of
aging? There are thousands who are achieving
just that and retaining the radiant look of
youth. If you are already committed to a more
youthful you, then you need to know the options
to achieve it.
People who are
self-assured in their appearance are often
better adjusted than those who are not. These
same people also realize that having cosmetic
surgery is a personal decision that will not
only change the way others see them, it also
influences the way they see themselves. People
who have a positive image of themselves also
have a positive image of others.
A Personal Decision
The primary goal should
be to maximize your vitality and youth. As part
of this process, you should try to arrange to
obtain whatever physical corrections are
required to regain your most presentable
physical appearance. Cosmetic surgery goes
beyond the more conventional aspects of beauty,
such as hairstyling, manicuring, skin care,
diets, health spas, and clothing. It is the
medically and surgically oriented extension of
these methods to physically look better.
In today's world, cosmetic
surgery is no longer considered merely women's
domain; frequently, men are also seeking to
surgically improve their appearances. According
to a report from the American Society of Plastic
Surgery, there is a significant rise in the
number of men having cosmetic surgery. Many
males are having nose surgery (rhinoplasty),
eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and even face
lifts. There is also a marked increase in men
having body fat removal surgery (liposuction).
This increasing trend of men having cosmetic
surgery will continue to rise, due to the
growing population of older men who want to look
revitalized and youthful.
Most experts and statistics in
the field of cosmetic surgery say that an
increasing number of people who are neither
affluent nor initially interested in
self-improvement are now having cosmetic
surgery. Some of these people are realizing that
their jobs are at stake because they look too
old for their positions. In these cases, it may
simply be the desire to maintain a job that
persuades people to have cosmetic surgery.
Whatever the reason, economic or social, it is
wise to find a qualified surgeon to perform your
surgery, one who is highly experienced in this
field.
Know the qualifications
of your surgeon. Ask specific questions about
the doctor’s training. Is he or she board
certified in Plastic Surgery? Does he or she
have specialized training in the procedure you
want performed? Does he or she have experience
performing a given procedure? Does the surgeon
have aesthetic taste compatible with yours?
These questions can be answered through
referrals by other patients and physicians. The
Internet can be of great help. Beware of the
surgeon who guarantees results, makes
exaggerated claims, or reassures you by telling
you that the end results are completely
predictable, easy to achieve and without risk.
You should feel
comfortable talking to a doctor and feel that
both pros and cons have been disclosed. You want
someone who discusses postoperative
convalescence and explains possible risks.
Obtain a clear understanding of what can be
achieved, as well as any limitations. In other
words, choose a surgeon who communicates——not a
salesman but an educator.
Where to Have Surgery
Many cosmetic procedures can be
performed in an office or outpatient operating
suite that is equipped similar to a hospital
facility. There are organizations (JCAHO and
AAAASF are the largest) which accredit
outpatient facilities to insure the highest
standards of care. In some cases, depending on
the procedure you are having performed, your
surgeon may recommend that your surgery be
performed in a hospital setting. Even procedures
requiring general anesthesia and postoperative
admission to the hospital can be performed in
such outpatient settings. Among procedures best
per-formed in a hospital are some forms of
breast surgery, tummy tucks, and some types of
liposuction. These procedures often require
general anesthesia and possible hospitalization.
Trust your surgeon’s judgment on this. Discuss
all of your concerns. Hospitalization is
possible for most procedures, but it may be more
expensive than the surgeon’s surgical suite or
outpatient facility. In many cases the cost for
hospital based surgery may be partially covered
by third party insurance policies and is the
same as for office based surgery. Either way,
hospital or doctor’s surgical unit, excellent
results are possible.
The Range of Anesthesia
Your personal physician
decides what can be done without risk of further
worsening your general condition. Most patients
accept the risks once they are carefully
explained and put into perspective. A full
description of every possible complication is
beyond the scope of this text, but risks
specific to each procedure will be discussed in
the appropriate sections of this book. Due to
individual differences in healing, necessary
revisions or "touch-ups" are occasionally needed
and are usually provided without any
remuneration to your surgeon. However, operating
room and anesthetic costs my still be required
should revisions be necessary.
Convalescence
The period of
convalescence depends upon the surgery
performed. Written postoperative instructions
are usually provided to guide you through the
preoperative and postoperative periods. In the
immediate postoperative period, strenuous
physical activities are limited, though you can
resume normal activities within a few days.
Walking is usually permitted immediately even
for the most involved of surgical procedures.
Discomfort when doing some activity is a good
factor to rely on as to how to limit activity
depending upon the amount of bruising and the
exact surgical procedure performed. The only
caveat to this is a procedure (such as
liposuction) where extensive procedures may be
performed but for which there is very little
discomfort afterward.
You will be provided with
a schedule of postoperative visits for the
removal of dressings and sutures. Special
arrangements can be made for out-of-town
patients; convalescent facilities are usually
available for patients who do not live in the
area or who simply wish to spend a few days away
from their families after surgery.
With any surgery
involving incisions, scarring is the natural end
of the healing process. Care is taken to place
incisions in natural skin creases or folds,
along inconspicuous areas (such as the
hair-bearing scalp) so that they are barely
visible when the healing process is completed.
The incision may be pink for several weeks but
is easily camouflaged after suture removal.
Complete maturation of the surgical area takes
several months, though in most cases after one
or two weeks, with makeup, the patient looks
good enough to go out in public. The surgeon’s
office staff will usually submit the insurance
claim forms and documents to your insurance
company for payment should the procedure be
covered.
Careful Consultation
At the time of your
consultation visit with the surgeon, you must
explain what it is you want to achieve through
surgery. At this point the surgeon may explain
the extent of your surgery and carefully define
what is involved. Sometimes patients are unclear
as to what they really want or perhaps have a
goal that cannot be realistically achieved. This
first visit helps to clarify any doubts you may
have.
Remember, you have the
right to look your best and to seek the kind of
medical help that will provide good results.
Take the time to determine for yourself what it
is you want to achieve in the area of plastic
surgery; then find the best person and place to
do it. The results of any cosmetic surgery will
remain with you, perhaps a lifetime, so make
every effort to get the best.
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