Cosmetic Surgery in New York: The Musical
Ok, so maybe that’s not funny. With all the talk about cosmetic surgeons acting inappropriately on social media these days—including dancing in the operating room—we’ll be the last plastic surgery practice to try to lure patients in with gimmicks. However, when our friend Joshua asked us whether we listen to music during procedures in our New York cosmetic surgery suite, the answer was a resounding YES! (He included a comment from us in an article on his website devoted to female to male “top surgery,” a procedure we perform for transgender patients.)
So what kinds of music do we favor? First and foremost, we let our patients choose. If a man or woman would like to enjoy some favorite tunes as they relax before and after liposuction, a tummy tuck, a facelift or top surgery, their wish is our command.
If patients don’t express a preference, then we select the playlist. Though we had fun telling Joshua about our “carefully chosen” favorites like “Mack the Knife” and “Thanks for the Mammaries (Memories),” we actually do lean a bit toward show tunes and other songs loosely associated with New York. Cosmetic surgery—we agree with Joshua—seems to go extra smoothly with uplifting music playing in the background.
The article on the Top Surgery website makes the point that music has been associated with healing for centuries. From ancient Chinese culture to Native American rituals, singing, chanting and instrumentals have been used to soothe and relax patients. Today, studies show that music can be beneficial for both patients and medical professionals.
In doing research for his article, Joshua found that about 90% of surgeons and surgical residents have music playing in the OR these days. Their choices range from classical melodies to classic rock like the Grateful Dead, and a few selections even sillier than ours (like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham).
Music is actually an element of our seamlessness as a professional team. Most of us have worked together side by side for years—some for decades—because we like it that way. We have tremendous respect for one another, and for the important role each one of us plays in patient safety, comfort and satisfaction. We enjoy each other’s company, and we like sharing music. In fact, occasionally when we reach a routine part of a procedure, like suturing, we may all sing along with a song like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” One time we had so much fun with it that our singing reached the volume where it could be heard in the waiting room. Front office staff rushed in to hush us up!
Some of our patients delight us with their love of music too. One man we worked with was an opera singer. While we were preparing to operate, he asked if he could sing as a way of relaxing. We agreed, of course, and he rewarded us with a wonderful aria. We remember another time toward the end of a procedure when a patient began to awaken gradually and start singing along with the tune that was playing!
Does this appreciation for music make us special? We think so. But why don’t you find out for yourself? Schedule an appointment to meet us in our New York cosmetic surgery offices soon. We’re ready for you to grill us on our training, experience, skill and teamwork. Then you can tell us what you’d like to change about your appearance and let us know all your questions and concerns. And your favorite song!
