The Right Way to Approach Cosmetic Surgery

Vivian Diller, Ph.D., a psychologist in New York City, uses the acronym S.A.F.E. to remember to ask the right questions before you have cosmetic work done on your face or your body. The letters of the acronym stand for Safe, Affordable, For Whom, and Expectations. A recent article in the Huffington Post touts her 2010 book ‘Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change.’ Ms. Diller was a professional dancer and model before she became a psychologist. There is no doubt experience in these professions has given her an educated view of cosmetic surgery, why women want procedures, and the best way to approach cosmetic surgery.

Read the article yourself HERE, but to sum it up, Safe stands for doing your research. Diller claims many women do not! Do not rely on word of mouth. Ask lots of questions. Be sure your physician is board certified and works at an accredited facility. Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center’s operating room is accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare). I am also in partnership with Arkansas Surgical Hospital, where I perform procedures that require full hospitalization.

Affordability not only refers to the initial cost of a procedure but up-keep. Be sure you ask what happens down the line. Aging does not stop, even if you have cosmetic surgery. For example, most injectable fillers only last about 6 months, Sculptra lasts longer, up to 2 years; so you will need to consider future costs. Breast implants, although designed to last a lifetime, sometimes require changing due to the results of gravity (again, aging continues),  and with silicone implants, the FDA recommends an MRI to check Breast Implant Integrity every 2-3 years. Another aspect of affordability has to do with what procedure you pursue. You will want to have a thorough discussion about the results. For instance, a lower blepharoplasty will not help with malar mounds resulting from damaged skin, which may be confused as bags under the eyes. These occur on the upper cheek and eye surgery will not help, but laser resurfacing can. You may find you want the two procedures combined. Finding this out in your initial consultation is wiser than finding out later. A conscientious surgeon will take your goals seriously and recommend procedures that fit those goals.

For Whom is a bit obvious, who are you doing this for really? The emotionally stable person can gain increased self-esteem from cosmetic surgery. Dr. Diller suggests that you don’t let comments about aging and wrinkles from friends or loved ones, or provocative statements about new procedures from doctors influence what you truly want. Be sure you are seeking cosmetic surgery to please yourself. Think it through.

Finally, Dr. Diller discusses Expectations. Having realistic expectations may be the most critical part of your decision-making process when seeking cosmetic surgery. I suggest corrections that rejuvenate and enhance your natural beauty. Arkansas cosmetic surgery patients can be assured that I want what is for best them and that I will discuss expectations, goals, personal concerns, and recovery issues carefully with each individual. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have in your initial consultation, at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Call the front desk to set up your consultation 501-227-0707