I want to mention again that I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention (SCC) next week with Dr. Mardirossian. Please drop in at our booth and attend our FFS / Age Reassignment surgery (ARS) presentation on Thursday afternoon.
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By Vartan Mardirossian
There are many reasons why patients come to us looking for facial plastic procedures and most of them have valid and reasonable reasons for it. I often say that my role is basically the one of a mitigator: I often have to “mitigate” between what the patient thinks they are going to be looking best and what would really look aesthetically pleasing for the people around them; I have to often reconcile what their needs are and what they have in mind; but most of all, my role is helping them achieve the result they want while keeping them safe and happy. I believe that facial plastic surgery is an investment in your own self, more than a luxury good expense. That is what makes it so special and different from the other things we want to have. It is something that stays with you and even more, becomes a part of you. Facial plastic procedures should be carefully weighed and “filtered” before proceeding. Here are some of the reasons that raise a red flag in my evaluation:
- To look like a celebrity
Celebrities rise and fall sometimes within a year. Your face stays with you all your life. Why not enhance its own unique beauty? Why do you want to be someone else? Understanding the answer may start from inside-out… - To fight depression
Plastic surgery may increase self-confidence but should not be the only pillar upon which confidence is built. Once the depression is gone, then improving your appearance may "bolster" your victory. - To please your significant other
A big red flag there! If they love you they will love you the way you are. Why did they fall in love in the first place? - To get a job
This is a tricky one but it all depends on the job. Many patients want plastic surgery to look younger and to keep their current job. - To get revenge or make jealous
This is a spin-off of #3. If a story is over it is over. As they say in my country: "God closes one door and opens hundreds more.”
Of course there are many other “red flags” and situations that may undermine the good patient-physician relationship. To filter these out it is important to see the patient through a human lens even before we start talking about the intervention they would like. Because I deeply believe that to be a good facial plastic surgeon, someone should first be a good physician and even before that, a good person.
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Rhonda I've been following following your blog via Stana for quite a while now and I want to applaud this one on Dr. Mardrossian. Although I'm not seeking plastic surgery I like his upfront advice to people who are looking for help. I attended SCC many years ago in Atlanta and had a great time. Wish I was able to to come to Ft Lauderdale this year but it "ain't" gonna work out. I plan to be in Islamorada this winter from February through April, (fly fishing for tarpon) so maybe we can organize a weekend meeting en femme. Best always, Mary from Wyoming. (Marydekker99@yahoo.com)
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