Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Friday, October 16, 2009

Why do you want plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery and vanity wrongly and unfairly go hand in hand. Quite the opposite is true, actually. Mariam Webster's definition of vanity is: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance. Cosmetic surgery candidates typically lack pride in their appearance and suffer with low self-esteem. I am always quick to correct a patient that walks into the office saying "I am so vain for wanting a breast lift", for example.

When patients reach out to Dr. Barber, it is usually because they have a deep desire to feel better about themselves, which is NOT vanity. Desire for self improvement is a natural impulse, and typically people who seek plastic surgery are simply unhappy about an aspect of their appearance.

Pittsburgh plastic surgery encourages and promotes a strong, positive self-image. It can be a rewarding choice if done for the right reasons. Let's be realistic. Wanting to look like Angelina Jolie is neither healthy nor realistic. Examine the reasons behind your decision. Why do you want surgery? Are you doing it to please someone else? Are you doing it in hopes of changing your life? Improving your appearance could help promote a positive change in many areas of your life, but you are setting yourself up for disappointment if you think it will change your life as a whole.

Many patients tell us they want to look younger because they feel young on the inside and they want the outside to reflect it.
Other positive motivations may be:
  • Look younger for personal/professional reasons. (Example: stay competitive in the workplace.)
  • Change a feature that they have never liked. (Example: Pittsburgh rhinoplasty)
  • Finally get what nature forgot. (Example: Pittsburgh breast implants)
  • Repair damage from weight loss/gain or pregnancy. (Example: Pittsburgh tummy tuck)

It is Dr. Barber's job to help potential Pittsburgh plastic surgery patients examine and understand their motivations. Speak openly and honestly with your surgeon. Honesty and a healthy perspective will lead to a realistic and successful experience.

Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. James Barber. 412-741-1976

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posted by Kristi at 2:40 PM 0 comments