For plastic surgeons everywhere, media coverage of the field is a mixed blessing. On one hand, attention paid to celebrity cosmetic surgery raises awareness among the general public and lets people know that aesthetic improvement is possible. The media also alerts consumers to possible dangers, such as poor outcomes that can happen in foreign countries where regulation is lax.
The flip side of the coin is that media coverage often serves to perpetuate cosmetic surgery myths, whether that’s the intention or not. You have probably seen most or all of these examples concerning facelifts:
Myth: Facelifts involve difficult recoveries
Very recently, Donald Trump commented that a television personality he doesn’t like was “bleeding badly from a facelift.” If that’s true, the patient was suffering complications that are incredibly rare. During facelift surgery, some bleeding is inevitable. But by the time patients are bandaged and in recovery, blood loss is little to non-existent.
Speaking generally, facelift surgery recovery is pretty straightforward. Most patients experience no complications and minimal discomfort, and are able to return to normal activities several days after their procedure. If someone has a problem such as noticeable bleeding, they should see their plastic surgeon immediately. Read more about real facelift surgery here.
Myth: You can spot a facelift a mile away
Perhaps no celebrity in the media spotlight has been more responsible for facelift horror than Jocelyn Wildenstein. While you can indeed spot her highly unnatural look a mile away, this is absolutely NOT the case for our New York facelift patients, nor for patients of other board certified plastic surgeons with experience and common sense.
Ms. Wildenstein admitted, in fact, that she has had many procedures and ultimately decided to pursue a feline appearance. In contrast, reputable plastic surgeons go to great lengths to create natural looking results.
Myth: Bad celebrity facelifts are typical
It should come as no surprise that the media loves to “out” stars that have gone under the knife several times or had one too many facial treatments. Publicity surrounding Melanie Griffith may come to mind for you, or perhaps Darryl Hannah or Lara Flynn Boyle. Men aren’t immune to media scorn either—witness comments about Kenny Rogers and Mickey Rourke.
These celebrities sport results that no one would want for himself or herself. But are they typical? We don’t think so. Today’s actors are under tremendous scrutiny and intense pressure to look their best at all times. It’s not surprising that some may undergo extreme measures hoping to boost their careers. And unfortunately they can usually find a cosmetic surgeon who will oblige.
Not only do average men and women look completely natural after a facelift in New York with us, even many well-known stars elect the procedure and look great afterward. It’s just that stories of celebrities with well-done, sensible facial plastic surgeries are not as interesting to the public as obvious disasters.
Don’t believe us? Here’s a brief recap we wrote recently about celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s new look. Or do an online search for before and after facelift photos of Jane Fonda—she looks much more youthful after surgery, and natural as well. Other stars whose surgical experience seems to have been positive include Demi Moore, George Clooney and Susan Sarandon.
Let us assure you, it IS possible to have natural facelift results and a good recovery! In fact, in the hands of a skilled, experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, you can expect a good outcome. Just do your homework when it comes to choosing your doctor, and don’t pay too much attention to the media.
We would be delighted to consult with you about a facelift in New York. Give us a call at 212-570-6080 to start the conversation.
