Cosmetic Surgery and Life Events
There are so many reasons people come to us for cosmetic surgery in New York, but one of the most common is a life transition ahead. Patients often want to meet developments in their lives with other, supporting changes that fortify them for the road ahead or help them turn over a new leaf.
The Big Occasions
Some of the occasions that prompt people to seek cosmetic procedures are easy to guess. A wedding is one of the most obvious, but it’s not always the bride, or just the bride, who includes aesthetic treatment in her plans. While brides often do elect breast augmentation or liposuction to look their best in the all-important dress, parents may choose some fine tuning as well. With a big celebration and important photos in mind, moms and dads elect non-invasive facial rejuvenation such as Botox and fillers. Some choose eyelid surgery for its contribution to a youthful appearance, and some even go for a full facelift.
Milestone birthdays and reunions are also events that send people to our New York cosmetic surgery consultations. Facial rejuvenation is usually on the minds of patients who may be preparing to get together with loved ones and friends—sometimes people they haven’t seen in a while. We get our share of requests for eyelid surgery, neck lifts, facelifts, injectables and skin treatment, but a bit of liposuction may be in order too (especially for class reunions!).
Opening New Doors
It may sound odd at first, but cosmetic procedures can also be helpful to those dealing with hard times. We know of a woman who lives in the south, a patient of another plastic surgeon, who opted for breast reduction following one of the devastating hurricanes passing through the region a few years ago. She had wanted to reduce her oversized breasts for years but felt surgery was perhaps a frivolous choice. After surviving the storm, she decided she shouldn’t wait any longer for this gift that would change her life for the better.
We can’t think of those who have shouldered tragedy without remembering our patient Mora. She lovingly cared for her terminal husband for years, despite becoming increasingly weary and haggard. After he passed, she went forward with a neck lift and facelift in New York with us. She had been planning surgery for a while. “I needed something to look forward to,” Mora said.
Cosmetic Surgery and Careers
It’s not unusual these days for people to schedule cosmetic procedures to look their best in the workplace. It’s common for both men and women to consider a variety of ways to look bright and vibrant—again, many are interested in facial rejuvenation.
In highly competitive job markets such as Silicon Valley and New York, cosmetic surgery is sometimes seen as a “must” for people looking to get ahead, says the Washington Post. We view this as a mixed blessing. When men and women talk to us about cosmetic surgery to enhance their career opportunities, we have a good discussion. If the patient is taking other positive steps to feel confident, such as pursuing fitness, signing up for classes and so on, that’s great. But if we feel any sense of desperation, perhaps that the patient thinks cosmetic surgery can save their job, we may decline to operate.
One Caution
Which brings us to our one caveat about cosmetic surgery and milestones. When our New York cosmetic surgery patients come from an optimistic point of view—whether they’re looking forward to a happy occasion or facing a difficult challenge—we are delighted to be a part of the future they envision. On the other hand, when we hear unrealistic expectations related to careers, relationships or any other aspect of life plastic surgery can’t “fix,” we have a serious heart to heart talk. It’s no more to the patient’s advantage to go ahead in this case than it is to ours.
What are you looking forward to? Could cosmetic surgery be a positive part of your plan? Contact us and let us know!
