I am currently looking to break into the modeling industry. I am looking at cosmetic surgery to fix some flaws and improve my chances of landing jobs at model casting calls. I am very scared about "going under the knife." Can you please give me some advice on the positives and negatives to having cosmetic surgery? And also, what are some questions I should ask the cosmetic surgeon at my consultation meeting?
--Jacqueline S, NYC
Jacqueline,
You were brave enough to ask a question many women have on their minds. Plastic surgery is all the rage these days it's glamorized on television, and seems like everyone is doing it. But it is a very PERSONAL decision to have cosmetic surgery performed. The first thing I would encourage you to do is think long and hard about WHY you really want surgery. Do YOU believe that you have flaws that can only be fixed with surgery?
The modeling industry is a very critical one, and even if a handful of bookers tell you your look doesn't fit what they may be looking for doesn't mean you have to go "under the knife." Have you been on go sees? You may be surprised that the flaws you mention may be your best assets. Perhaps they afford you a different look, make you distinctive and stand out. These flaws as you call them are really not flaws but simply are FEATURES that make you an individual. Regardless of what superficial analysis someone makes about you, please remember you are more than YOUR OUTSIDE. You are dynamic and phenomenal within your own right.
After critically analyzing why you want cosmetic surgery the next step is to become informed. You may be looking for improvements that don't require you go under the knife. There may be non-invasive treatments available. Do some research. (If you look on the internet, please NOTE that everything on the Internet isn't true, so be cautious.) Talk to people who have had cosmetic surgery, ask them about their experiences and doctor. A doctor by way of a personal recommendation is always better than simply picking one at random. Look for a doctor who is a trained and board certified plastic surgeon. To find out if your doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon, ask the surgeon or check out: www.abms.org.
The next step after choosing a doctor is the consultation. At the doctor's visit, ASK questions! Share what you would like to have done and your concerns. You should NOT feel pressured to sign up for surgery. You should feel comfortable with the doctor, and be allowed to ask questions and get answers all to help you come to a decision. Here are some questions you should consider asking at the time of your visit. Bring a pen and some paper to write your questions and answers down, since there will be a lot of information and you won't remember it all when you leave.
- How many procedures of the type I'm considering have you performed?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- What are the risks of the operation?
- Where will the procedure be done? Is the facility accredited?
- What will the procedure cost?
- How long will it take to recover?
- Are there alternatives to surgery?
You need to discuss what to expect before and after the surgery, as well as any complications or risks of surgery. Be realistic about what to expect after surgery. You may experience pain, swelling and bruising afterwards. The healing process can take some time, and the end result may leave you with a scar. There are risks to any procedure and complications though rare, can occur. It is best to be informed about these. Complications that can occur include infection, bleeding, blood clots, wound separation, skin loss, or adverse reactions to anesthesia Note: smoking should be avoided for two weeks prior to and one week following the procedure to improve wound healing, and prevent complications with anesthesia.
Cost of the procedure is also a consideration. Most insurance companies do not cover elective procedures.
Many people are self conscious about their bodies, and can think of a few things they would like changed. A lot of this self-consciousness goes away with time. So ask yourself if you are considering cosmetic surgery because YOU really want it or whether it's to please someone else.
