Dr. Steinsapir typically does not recommend surgery until you have some issue that can’t be addressed or rectified with non-surgical means, or if the economics of surgery outweigh the non-surgical treatments and the risks of the two approaches are appropriately balanced. Practically speaking, if you look long enough, you will almost always find a surgeon willing to perform surgery. This means that it’s especially important for you to research the different treatment options available, talk to a number of specialists and, if surgery is the best course of action, discuss the pros and cons with your chosen surgeon. An ethical surgeon will examine your condition and make a recommendation based on your goals and needs, rather than their pocket book.
Consider the impact of surgery
While television programs are full of stories about how plastic surgery transformed the lives of the patients, these grand results are much less common than the TV might lead you to believe. An improved upper eyelid won’t suddenly transform your life by helping you to get a better job, end conflict with your spouse, or make you an instant celebrity. A realistic goal is that you will be pleased with the improvement and happy that you had surgery. However, it is unrealistic to expect the surgery will help you land that promotion and help you pay off the cost of surgery. Don’t opt for surgery if it is a choice between basic necessities and having surgery. Paying rent and health insurance is more important than elective cosmetic surgery. These are personal choices, but cosmetic surgery is a luxury and not a necessity. Make sure you aren’t over committing yourself financially in deciding to have surgery.
Consider your motivations
Before deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery, ask yourself “why.” The first step to understanding if you are ready for surgery is to understand your motivations. Do you want surgery to please yourself, or to please someone else? There is no right answer, but if you want surgery to please someone else, ask yourself if the surgical outcomes are something you also want. Do you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of a particular surgery? Do you avoid social situations because you are concerned that people are staring or whispering about you? Do you spend hours every day repeatedly thinking about an issue that your friends have trouble seeing? These may be signs of a condition called body dysmorphic disorder. Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsessive thought pattern characterized by focusing on a slight or nonexistant flaw. Unfortunately, it is difficult to fix subtle or nonexistent issues surgically. Occasionally this leads to a flat out misunderstanding between surgeon and patient, and even more trouble after surgery. Dr. Steinsapir find that it is best to air these issues openly and if necessary involve a psychotherapist to help the individual better understand their motivation to have surgery.
Consider your support system
One last series of questions you should ask yourself is about support from family and friends. Are others around you supportive of you having cosmetic surgery? Keep in mind that a negative environment can be harmful to your healing process following surgery. It is so important to make sure those you love are supportive of your decision before you undergo cosmetic surgery. Don’t try to hide the fact that you are undergoing cosmetic surgery; be open about your plans and find support from those around you.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert provider of cosmetic surgery.




