Mirror, Mirror… Do I Like What I See?

What we see when we look into a mirror can have a significant impact on how we feel along the journey of life. Many feel that appearance and a healthy self-image are closely linked to self-confidence and overall success. Plastic surgery can have pronounced positive effect in one’s life at all ages, helping them feel even better about themselves.

Starting Life at a Disadvantage

One young man, age 25, called “Dumbo” growing up because of his oversized and protruding ears, said, “I was teased about my big ears all the time. The [otoplasty] surgery made me feel free.” Correcting protruding ears in children is a much easier surgery than as an adult. “Pinocchio” was the nickname a sixteen-year-old girl was given on the school bus. The name-calling made her “feel helpless and like a loser.” Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, can help a young person feel more attractive, and ultimately more “normal.” Acne can leave scars both on the outside and the inside. Skin resurfacing can drastically reduce those exterior scars and help heal the interior ones.

Feeling Better about You

Breast size modification through plastic surgery, whether going bigger or going smaller, can have positive effects on a person’s life. It’s not uncommon for men and women to have too much breast tissue. It can be embarrassing for a man to take his shirt off, while a woman may suffer significant terrible back and shoulder pain. Many breast reduction patients often wonder why they waited so long to get surgery.

On the other side of the spectrum, many women relate their breast size to a feminine self-image. Whether a woman is small chested, developmentally uneven or desiring a lift after having children, an improved bust line has been shown to improve a woman’s self-esteem and positively affect how she presents herself to others.

Another situation in which plastic surgery may be a good option is when men and women are re-entering the workforce or looking for a new job. A lift of the upper eyelids or removal of fat tissue under the eyes can take years off one’s appearance, and even improve one’s vision, if severe enough. Botox, fillers and other non-invasive procedures can also help to make skin appear more vibrant and youthful.

What to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

  • Is the doctor board certified in Plastic Surgery? A board certification in a medical specialization, like plastic surgery, is instrumental to the integrity of a doctor’s practice. A doctor who is board certified has gone above and beyond the requirements of obtaining a medical license to enhance his or her expertise in a particular specialty for the good of their patients.
  • Does the doctor have hospital privileges for the procedures you are considering? Be sure to ask where the procedure will be done during your initial consultation. Hospitals only give surgical privileges to board certified surgeons who have met their requirements of conduct and training in their specialty.
  • Does the doctor have experience? No matter what type of plastic surgery you’re interested in getting, you’ll want to find out how much experience the doctor has conducting the specific procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics, or even the doctor’s CV, during your consultation.
  • What is the doctor’s reputation in the medical community? It’s important to do your homework when shopping around for a plastic surgeon that you can trust. Visit websites such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and RateMDs to see what others have to say about their experience with the doctor(s) you’re considering.

Dr. Fishman is board certified and conducts his procedures at Beaumont Hospitals, and Providence-Providence Park Hospital. View Dr. Fishman’s biography to learn more about their training and credentials.

Remember, sometimes even the simplest procedures can bring surprising rewards. We promise to transform your hopes into reality with excellence. To learn more about the plastic surgery services available at our office, give us a call today at (248) 643-7374.