Along with other top cosmetic surgeons in the NYC area, we see activity of all kinds around the holidays. We join many of our colleagues in feeling that the season is good time to think about cosmetic improvement in some ways, and not such a good time in others. In our view, key considerations generally relate to practical aspects of surgery and patient motivations.
The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery Gifts
If you’re considering giving a surgical procedure as a holiday gift, we encourage you to think it through carefully. You want to be sure your gift is in line with what’s right for the patient.
Let’s say your wife has been enthusiastic about the possibility of having a tummy tuck. You and she have done research and discussed it, and you believe she is a good candidate both physically and emotionally. Let’s also imagine that she’s not frightened at the thought of surgery, rather her main hesitation is in spending the money. This situation might be ideal for choosing to give plastic surgery, or better, give her an in-depth consultation as your gift and plan to go with her to the appointment.
On the other hand, if your wife is not in the lead on this—meaning you believe she would benefit but she doesn’t bring it up in a positive way—that’s a red flag. It’s never a good idea to push people to make decisions about elective procedures.
About that Procedure You’ve been Wanting
If you’ve been considering a rejuvenating or body contouring procedure, the holidays may seem like the perfect time to schedule an operation. Stop and think for a moment about both the practical and the emotional sides of this decision.
Speaking practically, make sure you understand what recovery from cosmetic surgery can entail. With some procedures—such as liposuction and breast augmentation—you can be back to light activities in a few days. But real recovery, meaning you can handle lifting and carrying, long stressful days and the like, takes more time.
If you decide to have surgery at this point in the year because you have extra time to recover, great. But if you think you will be at the holiday party dancing the night away in a week or two, maybe not.
We echo the advice of Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig in an article on the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: don’t let the added pressure of the holidays to look great convince you that now is the time to plan surgery. Your feelings about yourself are what matters, not what you believe others may think about you. If plastic surgery is on your mind now, see if you still feel the same way in January.
Non-Invasive Treatments May Be the Answer
Some items on the menu at top cosmetic surgeons in NYC are perfect for the holiday season. You can freshen your appearance with BOTOX® Cosmetic or a dermal filler (or both) and be ready for action virtually immediately. Fat transfer to the face is becoming more and more popular, and it is also considered a non-invasive procedure. Even dermabrasion or a chemical peel can be good choices for facial rejuvenation, though you will need a little more time to be “holiday party ready” afterward.
As human beings, we are all susceptible to the stresses and pressures of the season. Do your best to think options through carefully and objectively. This is not necessarily the time to make a gift-giving mistake or to add more to your probably full plate!
