NJ Cosmetic Surgery

Should I have cosmetic surgery'? More and more people are asking themselves this question. Since it is estimated that approximately I .5 million people have some form of cosmetic surgery every year, the answer seems to he a resounding "Yes!

The newest procedures cause less pain and often reduce recovery time, making cosmetic surgery easier and more convenient. In addition, with the current focus on health, fitness and nutrition, a sense of well-being extends to outward physical appearance as well. After all, why not look as good as you feel'

The decision to undergo any cosmetic procedure is a very personal one. Self-perception is often the most motivating factor in the decision. A recent study, conducted by Susan Horowitz, Ph. D. and myself, found that feelings about oneself drastically changed after nose surgery (rhinoplasty). Respondents were people of varying ages who had had nose surgery at least six months before being surveyed.

Many people saw themselves as being physically different beyond the area which was surgically corrected. For example, people who had facial surgery perceived a change in their body image, appearing to themselves as slimmer or taller. Others saw themselves as having improved social relationships or as being able to accomplish more in their lives.

It should be noted that these self-perceptions are not the reasons to have cosmetic surgery. If you expect a better job or improved social life as a direct result of cosmetic surgery, you are not a candidate for the procedure. A new nose or chin will not insure success in other areas in your life.

Once you decide to have cosmetic surgery, you must consult with a qualified surgeon to understand what you can expect as a result of the procedure.

Keep in mind there is a certain amount of risk involved whenever a surgical procedure is performed. Problems of infection, healing or unusual scar formation are of greater concern in cosmetic surgery.

For example, in the healing process after rhinoplasty, asymmetry or irregularities in the nose contour, although rare, can occur. Occasionally, the healing of incisions from a face lift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is more noticeable than one would wish. A blepharoplasty can also produce a permanent pull on the eyelid if too much skin is removed. It's also possible that silicone implants, as in mentoplasty (cheek surgery), can slip out of position.

All of these arc rare occurrences, but the possibilities should be discussed with your surgeon. This is the time to interview the surgeon. Discuss any other concerns you may have such as hospital stay. recovery time and physical limitations during recov cry. Ask about his experience with your particular procedure. You should feel completely comfortable with the physician and expect full and honest replies to your questions.

Keep in mind that the consultation is a two-way process. As you interview the surgeon, he is interviewing you as well, deciding if your case is acceptable and within the range of his skills.

It is possible you will not be satisfied with the physician you are interviewing. In that case, look for another.

Where should you look for 'your' surgeon?

One excellent referral source is a former patient. If a friend or acquaintance has had a procedure performed by a particular cosmetic surgeon, find out if the person would use that surgeon again. Rely on your own opinion of the change in appearance. The best proof of a surgeon's ability is seeing his results. Would you be satisfied with what you see?

Another referral source is your own physician - or dentist, if the surgery is facial. Physicians in a community are usually well-informed about each other's areas of expertise.

A third source is your county medical society. The society won't be able to tell you the extent of the physician's experience, and of course, you won't be able to judge the quality of the surgeon's work. However, if you call any physicians based on this referral source, ask them the extent of their experience with your particular pro-cedure.

There arc four groups of surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery. General plastic surgeons are trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery of all areas of the body. Some general plastic surgeons will, in addition. further specialize in cosmetic surgery. Regional plastic surgeons are trained in surgery of a particular area of the body and have had further training related to plastic, reconstructive or cosmetic surgery of that body area. For example, ear, nose and throat, head and neck surgeons (otolaryngologists) have had broad training in surgery of the head and neck, including reconstructive and plastic surgery. In many instances, they then go on to specialize in facial plastic or cosmetic surgery.

Many dermatologists, who are trained in cosmetic skin surgery, devote a major portion of their practice to contouring features using collagen and silicone, hair trans-plants, dermabrasion, chemical peels and other such procedures.

Ophthalmologists are trained in the treatment of eye problems. Some may further specialize in plastic surgery of the eyelids.