If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you have probably already heard the refrain time and again, “find an experienced cosmetic surgeon.” There are reasons for this. As the numbers of people looking for cosmetic surgery has sky-rocketed in the last several years, so have the numbers of people with buyer’s remorse. However, it isn’t just the average person getting breast augmentation or liposuction wishing they could take back their surgery, it is also the stars.
Some of the most popular examples of “bad” cosmetic surgery include Kenny Rogers, Tara Reid, and Courtney Love. We’ve all seen pictures of these people, as well as others, and thought, “I can’t believe they did that.” And maybe we felt a twinge of shadenfreude, but there is also the thought of how sad it is that their cosmetic surgery looks so awful. Now, imagine this happening to your neighbor, friend, or person next to you on the bus.
Though the feelings above might apply to how we feel about stars and their surgeries, there is yet a third thought, and that’s economical. We think these people can probably afford to go back under the knife and get these things fixed. But this is easier said than done in many cases. Scars seldom fade fast enough for us to miss them, and the damage has already been done. However, this isn’t stopping the numbers of people going to cosmetic surgeons to correct a procedure they aren’t happy with. Because of this, a new word has found its way into the lexicon: “undo-plasty.” In a society that believes in do-overs in many aspects of life, one has to wonder why this word hasn’t come into use sooner.
Some Problems with Procedures
Some of the more common problems you’ve probably heard of, and ones people want undone, are breast implants that don’t heal correctly, leaving scars or infection; implants that don’t line up correctly, making the breasts seem lopsided, or crooked; and oversensitivity or numbness. Botched liposuction, such as taking too much fat, can lead to scarring or excess areas of the skin that just seem to droop. With blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), the eyes can look pulled too tight or otherwise unnatural.
With these and other procedures, there is also the risk of nerve damage. If the cosmetic cuts a nerve, there are going to be obvious problems. Drooping mouths, eyes, and more are the price paid by botched surgeries.
Why Does This Happen?
Depending on who is quoted, you’ll find a host of answers. Sometimes it is the patients’ fault. Not letting the procedure heal, ignoring the advice of their doctor, going to an inexperienced cosmetic surgeon to get a procedure done that an experienced cosmetic surgeon wouldn’t, are just some of the reasons.
When cosmetic surgeons are at fault, it can come down to inexperience, being under-qualified, or even rushing through the procedure. There are reasons why back alley or black market cosmetic surgeons are not recommended.
What to Look For
While there are a number of cosmetic surgeons who will try their hardest to correct any damage done by a first botched procedure, the hope is that it’s done right in the first place. Thus, you can avoid physical, economic, or psychological injury.
- Do this for yourself and no one else. Choosing to change your natural appearance should be your own decision.
- Emotional stability is important. Don’t get the procedure done if you have just gone through a major life change, such as divorce, loss of a loved one, or job transition. Your state of mind should be as clear as possible.
- Educate yourself. Find out as much as you can about the procedure you are interested in and the risks involved. No cosmetic surgery is without risks.
- Get to know your cosmetic surgeon. Your initial consultation should tell you something about your cosmetic surgeon’s personality (as well as the cleanliness of their practice), but don’t let this first impression go unchallenged. What are his or her qualifications? What do these really mean? Did they go to an accredited school with a good reputation?
- Talk to your family doctor before you discuss the procedure with a cosmetic surgeon. While a good cosmetic surgeon will be generally concerned about your overall health, some aren’t. Make sure your family doctor knows this is something you are considering.
- Consider the cosmetic surgeon’s location. Look for a local cosmetic surgeon rather than one that is far away. While it might be cheaper to get your procedure in Asia or Africa, what is the quality of care going to be like?
There are many considerations when choosing to get cosmetic surgery. These are just some of them. These are also points to factor in when thinking about the risks. Again, no cosmetic surgery is without its risks. It’s surgery, after all, and you will be operated on, for all intents and purposes. But you’ll want to avoid having to worry about “undo-plasty” and what that word really means.
If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.
Leave a Reply