More and more couples are considering aesthetic plastic surgery as the ultimate gift. This is especially true for the “baby boomers” --- people born after World War II (1946) and before the Vietnam War (1964) --- those who have acquired the disposable income to consider undergoing such procedures. As decisions are made to undergo surgery, it’s important to consider and weigh the risks and benefits of any aesthetic procedure, as well as choosing the surgeon and setting that are appropriate for you.
There are benefits to coming in for a consultation with a loved one, but decisions about individual surgeries, should only be made by the person who is going to undergo the procedure. Additionally, couples who are both undergoing procedures should time their surgeries so that the other person can be available to care for their partner when they have surgery.
According to Dr. Julius Few, Chairman of the Public Education Committee for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "Couples that come in together for a consultation can learn about all of the factors involved in elective surgery and can learn how to care for each other during recovery. However, we need to remind people that aesthetic surgery should never be given as a 'surprise gift'. Those who are thinking of buying each other aesthetic procedures for the holidays or any occasion should be aware that these procedures require careful consideration by each patient who is going to receive the surgery.”
While an aesthetic procedure can be a wonderful gift to give each other, it requires the input and careful consideration of both patients. As such, it’s important that anyone considering aesthetic surgery should bear in mind the following:
- The idea for plastic surgery should come from the person who intends to have it, not from a spouse, relative or friend.
- Plastic surgery takes planning. If you expect to give or receive a "gift" of plastic surgery, make sure that everyone involved does their homework well ahead of time. A self-motivated, well-informed patient is more likely to be a satisfied patient.
- Patients should discuss risks, benefits, expectations, and desires with a board-certified plastic surgeon and the procedure should be performed at an accredited surgical facility.
- Not all patients are good candidates for all procedures. Patients need to be evaluated by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for a particular procedure.