A new survey shows that more and more Americans are becoming comfortable with cosmetic surgery.  According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 51 percent of Americans approve of cosmetic surgery, while 67 percent say they wouldn’t be embarrassed if their friends and family knew they had undergone a procedure (or two).  However, there are pros and cons to society’s growing ease with going under the knife; and as psychologist and author Vivian Diller sees it, the more people begin to embrace the potential benefits of cosmetic surgery, the more important it is for patients to seek such changes for the right reasons.

In a recent article for the Huffington Post, Diller advises people about the psychological factors involved in cosmetic surgery.  “As a psychologist who works with women who openly talk about their desire to look good at any age, I use the acronym S.A.F.E. to help them make good choices regarding cosmetic procedures. I encourage them to think about these four issues: Safety, Affordability, For Whom and Expectations,” Diller explains.

Diller reinforces the idea that safety should be the top priority when thinking about cosmetic procedures — and yet also points out that, despite shocking statistics concerning under-qualified and incompetent surgeons, she believes most people don’t investigate their options thoroughly. “Some women are hesitant or negligent about doing even the most basic research on cosmetic procedures,” Diller explains, adding that too many patients simply “rely on friends or magazines and forge ahead on decisions that can have permanent ramifications in their lives.”

Affordability should also be considered.  While Diller believes this is another no-brainer, many people don’t look into the upkeep of certain procedures.  Botox injections, for example, need to be repeated every six months to maintain the youthful look.

The F in the S.A.F.E acronym stands for “For whom?” – a question that Diller encourages patients to ask themselves in light of the fact that, according to clinical findings, “surgical changes are most satisfying when they fulfill clear, personal goals.” She urges patients to think hard about for whom they are changing, and why. Ultimately, she says, “You are the one who will be under the knife and living with these changes.”

Lastly, Diller advises everyone to be realistic about expectations.  “Plastic surgery can do marvelous things for those who have realistic expectations, but magic, it is not. It does not make an older woman young, nor does it necessarily transform a woman’s appearance,” the author said.  She recommends that prospective patients take their time when considering permanent changes to their face or body, and make sure to select a board certified surgeon, know the cost, and make sure the changes are for personal reasons.

Look your best – and feel even better: a surgeon’s philosophy for optimal patient satisfaction

At the offices of Dr. Stuart B. Kincaid, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 27 years of experience in the field, we take our patients’ needs seriously – starting with their reason for pursuing plastic surgery, and continuing until they’ve made a complete post-operative recovery. Whether a patient comes in with a little Botox or a full breast augmentation and liposuction procedure in mind, we begin by talking, getting to know one another, and identifying the patient’s needs, goals, motivations, expectations and current health condition. Only after a thorough consultation do we proceed to planning a medical procedure – no matter how small. And it’s this type of attention to detail and patient satisfaction that sets us apart from our competitors.

To learn more about Dr. Kincaid, MD, FACS, contact us today: call our San Diego/La Jolla office (858-450-4199) or our Temecula office (951-695-9934), or go online to www.skincaidmd.com.