How to Overcome the Plastic Surgery Stigma
There are times when we see patients in our office who are grappling with the decision to get cosmetic surgery. On one hand they really want the procedure for health or appearance reasons, but on the other, they worry about what their friends, family and even strangers will think of them.
I wanted to take a moment to share my perspective on the plastic surgery stigma that is sometimes attached to plastic surgery, and how many of my patients have gotten past these feelings of judgment to feel great about themselves with no apologies.
If you’re like these patients, plastic surgery may be something you want to look into, but the plastic surgery stigma has prevented you from doing so. There are many reasons for people to see a plastic and reconstructive surgeon that range from heavy eyelids to breast cancer to facelift or breast augmentation. Some of these have underlying medical reasons, which seem to alleviate some of peoples’ concerns, but other reasons are purely cosmetic in nature such as facelift or breast augmentation.
How does an individual move past the negative plastic surgery stigma and truly entertain what is best for them? At Janiga MDs we have one short answer: if you are thinking about a cosmetic procedure you should seek a professional and expert medical opinion rather than following public opinion. Your opinion is what matters when it comes to your own body, and only you can make those decisions with your plastic surgeon.
Rather then justifying why you may want to have plastic surgery by saying “I’ve lost a lot of weight and I have excess skin” or “my body just didn’t recover after the baby “, start thinking “I am going to do what’s right for me, and what I think is best for my body”. The only person you have to please is yourself.
There is a lot of data to suggest that self-esteem and quality-of-life will improve after procedures such as breast reduction surgery or breast lift surgery as well as others including tummy tuck, etc. In 2013 there were more than 20.5 million plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. You are not alone in doing what is best for you.
At Janiga MDs we are here to support you with your decision, give you realistic expectations and valid professional information. Many times patients will come in to ask questions about their appearance, breast augmentation or facelifts. I always tell them “if it matters to you, it matters to me. Let’s talk about it”.
The bottom line is, do it for you!
-Dr. Timothy Janiga
