Considering an aesthetic procedure?
Seven compelling reasons to go for it - and two reasons you shouldn't.
If you ask me, this is a pretty cool time to be alive. No, the world isn't perfect, but we're lucky to exist in an age where we get to use the power of science and advancements in medical treatments to live longer, healthier lives while remaining youthful! Much of that can be attributed to healthier lifestyles and medicine, but in some cases, nonsurgical and surgical aesthetic procedures play a role. The success of these procedures, though, depends on giving careful thought and consideration to whether or not they're the right fit for you.
So how do you know? Lucky for you, you're friends with a doctor! Here are a few occasions when a beauty or aesthetics procedure is a good idea and a couple of scenarios where it's not.
Green Flags for Aesthetics Procedures
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? If so, you've probably got a good reason to get some work done.
You need reconstruction after an injury - Burns, trauma, and serious injuries can leave a person feeling like they've lost a part of their identity. If this has happened to you, a reconstructive procedure could make you feel whole again.
You recently lost a lot of weight - After significant weight loss, some people experience loose skin on their necks, arms, and other areas of their body. Having the excess skin removed makes people feel much more comfortable and confident.
You're struggling to lose fat in specific areas - Have you been eating well and exercising but still having a rough time getting rid of pockets of fat? If, after exhausting all other means under the direction of your PCP, you still need some help, a surgical procedure might be the answer.
You've got medical issues - Many people who have difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum find rhinoplasty (aka “nose job”) a real lifesaver.
You're a survivor - I have nothing but the utmost respect for people who have survived diseases and medical problems like cancer. After fighting and winning, you might be left with scars or even a mastectomy. You deserve the opportunity to heal your body with an aesthetic procedure that will build your confidence.
You're ready to be in alignment with the real you - Patients going through the gender confirmation process absolutely benefit from both surgical and nonsurgical beauty procedures.
You want to enhance your self-esteem - You know you're amazing and love who you are, but you want to treat yourself to a procedure that will leave you even more confident. Maybe it's for a job interview or just a special gift to yourself. As long as you're in a good state of mind, an aesthetic procedure could be good for you.
Red Flags for Aesthetics Procedures
Going through with a nonsurgical or surgical aesthetic procedure isn't always the right path. Here are a couple of times when you should think twice:
You're hoping to resolve mental or emotional health issues - Beauty procedures should never be used as a Bandaid for bigger underlying issues. Those struggling with mental or emotional health complications like depression or body dysmorphia should sync up with an expert and get down to the root cause. From here, you and your healthcare professionals can evaluate your plans for the future.
You're trying to save a relationship - I've met men and women interested in aesthetics procedures purely because they're desperate to save a failing relationship. Please remember these types of procedures should be for your benefit, not for the benefit of someone else. The Bottom Line Whether to go through with a nonsurgical or surgical beauty procedure is a personal choice, but I hope these suggestions can help you get real about your motives and make a healthy decision. When in doubt, reach out. I'm always here to talk to you about your goals and answer your questions! After all, what are friends for, anyway? Drop by my blog for regular updates from your friend, Dr. G! The information and other content provided in this blog, website, or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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