Should I get Plastic surgery?

When meeting a new friend there are a couple of staple questions that most people start off with:

1.        Where are you from?

2.       What do you do?

3.       Are you married?

Although these are all perfectly acceptable, they tend to lead into other more probing questions. I am not even going to touch #3. As a serial single lady in south Florida, I could probably encourage a riot on why #3 is NEVER appropriate and ALWAYS leads to perfectly unacceptable, inappropriate prodding questions. Bitter much? Back to topic, when I answer question #2, I often have some interesting follow up questions along with the inevitable stares at my face and well, ahem, chest. I work for a plastic surgeon and I have been in this field since college. I work for an OculoPlastic surgeon, which is subspecialist within Plastic Surgery that only focuses on the eyelids, brows, and midface. That is why the inevitable stares at my chest make me giggle and roll my eyes. The next question is what have you had done, which I really welcome! I have had cosmetic treatments on my face and I am an open book. I have not had surgery on my face but I have had dramatic results from some great procedures such as Botox, Juvederm, chemical peels, and photo-facials. I also love me some good skincare products. Like I mentioned, I never mind this question and I love talking and sharing my experiences! The question that makes me cringe and want to not so politely act like my phone is ringing or my mom is calling me home (those were the days) is…”What should I have done?” I feel like a boyfriend backed into a corner after being asked the no win question, “how do I look?” I literally feel like I am in a minefield full of inappropriate answers. So after many uncomfortable situations, foot shifting silences, and stuttering fragments of a sentence, I think I have found the perfect way to answer this gem of a question. Some “go-to” answers include:

1.       Do you have interest in one specific area?

2.       Have you ever researched or read about said procedure/treatments?

3.       Would you like me to share with you my cosmetic goals and what I had done to achieve them?

The reason that I am so careful to answer this question is because plastic surgery and treatments are personal! They should be done when YOU are ready and comfortable. They should be done where you want some aesthetic improvements or changes. You should research your physicians, read credentials, and most importantly feel very comfortable with both the physician and the staff.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions that you think are silly about Botox or eyelid procedure, etc. A fantastic physician will welcome these questions and take the time to explain. When it comes to beauty products, rituals, regimens, and even cosmetic services, YOU should want it, You should research it, and You should feel comfortable with it!