When I consult with someone considering plastic surgery, one of the goals of our discussion is to ensure that they’re thinking about cosmetic surgery for the right reasons. Those reasons are deeply personal and vary from patient to patient, but it’s important to me that patients have realistic expectations. Even the best facial plastic surgeon in Nashville won’t satisfy a patient who is getting surgery for the wrong reasons.
This leads to the somewhat obvious question: What are the right reasons—and wrong reasons—for getting plastic surgery? As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has performed more than 6,500 facial rejuvenation procedures, I know when someone is motivated to get cosmetic surgery for the correct reasons. And I’m willing to tell a potential patient “no” if I believe she or he won’t be happy after undergoing surgery.
Are You a Good Candidate for Facial Plastic Surgery?
It’s a good idea to ask yourself a few questions once you’ve begun to think seriously about getting plastic surgery. The first one should be, Why am I considering cosmetic surgery? There is no correct or incorrect answer but understanding exactly what you’re trying to accomplish is important.
Some appropriate reasons patients cite for wanting facial plastic surgery include:
Feeling their appearance doesn’t reflect their youthful vitality: Facial aging occurs gradually, but one day people notice the lines and wrinkles etched around their eyes and mouth and sagging jowls softening their jawlines. They still feel energetic and want their faces to communicate that youthfulness, so they’ve decided to get a facelift, eyelid surgery, or a combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
Wanting a confidence boost: Women and men seeking cosmetic surgery of all types, including facial plastic surgery, often say they want to regain the confidence they once felt in social settings.
Correcting a disfigurement caused by an injury: Reconstructive facial plastic surgery is an option for people who suffer an injury that changes their appearance.
Bad Reasons for Plastic Surgery
Expectations play a significant role in patient satisfaction. Unrealistic expectations about what plastic surgery can accomplish almost always lead to disappointment in the results. These reasons all fall under the general category of unrealistic expectations:
Wanting to look like someone else: Patients often show up to consultations with “wish photos”—pictures of celebrities, even friends, to demonstrate their cosmetic goals. That’s fine, as long as the patients understand the limits of cosmetic surgery and why the procedure won’t result in looking exactly like someone else.
You’re unhappy with your life and need a change: Wanting to increase your self-esteem is a good reason for getting plastic surgery. That’s not the same, however, as expecting plastic surgery to change your life if you’re unhappy.
A loved one or friend thinks plastic surgery is a good idea: If someone says during a consultation that their spouse or a friend thinks they should get plastic surgery, that’s a red flag. Having surgery to satisfy another person is not the mindset of a patient who will be satisfied with the results.
The Bottom Line
Being honest with yourself about the reasons you want cosmetic surgery is essential. It’s also important to have a frank conversation with the plastic surgeon during your consultation. If you’re thinking about facial plastic surgery in Nashville, request a consultation at our practice using the online form or call us at (615) 942-8016 to schedule an appointment.
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