Reality TV brings idealized view of cosmetic surgery into the open

Stylewatch just loves it when someone asks, “Have you lost weight?”

Sometimes it is my “skinny jeans” that prompts the query or a virulent case of caught-the-latest-stomach-bug that gives the impression that I am a slimmer version of moi. We now have another scenario to add to the weight loss illusion list. Though we haven’t indulged in this particular event, we are fascinated.

“If done correctly, it isn’t obvious. Most people will say, “Wow, you look really rested, or you look as though you have lost weight,” explains Dr. Mark A. Clymer, of Clymer Facial Plastic Surgery.

Clymer is talking about the once-taboo subject of cosmetic plastic surgery. Thanks to the media onslaught of Dr. 90210 and reality ad nauseam television, plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons is much more out in the open.

“What I want people to realize is that those television shows are Hollywood. They are for entertainment purposes.

“When you decide to pursue cosmetic surgery, you need to do some research, Clymer says.
 

Pre-Nup for Nip-and-Tuck
Choosing your plastic surgeon is not like choosing a hairdresser. (We know, good hair stylists are as precious as a low-carb brownie during peak chocolate cravings.) The difference, of course, is that a bad cut will grow out. A bad nip and tuck? You could end up looking like Ms. Saran Wrap face.

“Do your research. We have monthly question-and-answer events to help people find out about the basics of what plastic surgery can and cannot do. Beyond the general information, you need an in-depth consultation with any surgeon you are considering,” Clymer said.
 

Questions

• Are you board certified? (Board certification is a “bare minimum,” said Clymer).
• What is the surgeon’s area of expertise? Do they work on all areas in plastic surgery, or have a specialty? Beware the one-doc-does-it-all. A surgeon who only works on the face and neck is more likely to achieve the highest quality of work over the surgeon who does face, breast, lipo, etc.
• Ask to view “before-and-after” photos of past clients—specifically, those who have had the same procedure you are considering.
• Ask if former patients will allow you to call and speak to them regarding their experience. Testimonials from satisfied patients should be numerous.

The doctor should be asking questions as well.

“If a doctor comes at you with a plan of action before you have even addressed your concerns, be on alert. This is about what the patient is comfortable with, not achieving some stereotypical ideal. A general question from the doctor might be, ‘What would you like to improve?’ My job then, is to outline options.”

The options, which Clymer stresses can be surgical and non-surgical, should be presented realistically. He offers computer imaging that takes the patient’s pre-surgery image and shows what might be achieved.

“The goal of facial plastic surgery is not to change what you look like. It is to make it you, only better. I want patients to understand the possibilities that can be achieved,” Clymer stressed.
 

Under the Knife
With the makeover mania that makes plastic surgery more mainstream comes the illusion that the surgery is somehow less serious. Any surgery carries risk, and even a tiny risk should be noted. Be wary if a doctor doesn’t outline those for you, or waves away any concerns.

Address the recovery time with your surgeon, too.

“For most surgeries, you will be presentable in two weeks. If you have a wedding or big event, give it four to six weeks for complete recovery,” Clymer said.
 

Prison or Vacation?
For Beverly Hamrick, the results were worth the prison sentence of staying housebound for two weeks.

“I had a brow and facelift and I looked really scary after the surgery. Even though I felt well enough to go out after several days, I didn’t. I looked like I had been in a terrible car accident. Gradually, the bruising and swelling faded, but it took several weeks for it to look 100%. I was bored out of my mind, but it was worth it.”

Hamrick had what is referred to as a full facelift. It includes an endoscopic brow procedure and a face lift. The brow lift works to lift the top third of the face, the face lift the lower two-thirds.

“Did it hurt? Yes, but not as much as I thought it would. And I guess the results are so nice that I don’t dwell on the pain. I would do it again, that is for sure. I don’t look like I have had work done, I just look like I have been on a nice, long vacation,” Hamrick laughs.

While Stylewatch is not quite ready to go under the knife, the process is a bit more in-depth than a 60-minute television show and requires our scrutiny. We really aren’t in need of any work ourselves…excuse us while we call our travel agent. So important to stay rested, you understand.

 
Cathi Aycock, who tirelessly works to find the answers to style and cosmetic surgery questions, can be reached by e-mail at cathiaycock@bellsouth.net  

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