So, you are thinking about having some plastic surgery done?
Maybe your face is showing the effects of age, stress, weight fluctuations or just from life in general and you are considering a facelift or even just an eyelid lift.
Or, your breasts are not really the size that you would like them to be and a little breast augmentation could really add to your appearance.
Your breasts may just be droopy – from pregnancy, breast feeding or even weight loss and fluctuations.
A breast lift surely would also raise your spirits and confidence!
Perhaps, simply, those persistent furrows on your forehead are getting deeper and deeper and are making you look angry or upset all the time. Your family and friends are frequently commenting about your “mood” because of them.
Getting some Botox® may be just what you need.
Whatever the cosmetic procedure it is that you are contemplating, you know that it is going to cost you. (Too bad your insurance company won’t cover any of this!)
Of course, you also want to pay as little as possible. After all, in our present day world of the likes of Amazon, Groupon and many other online comparison shopping and discounting companies, why should you pay more than you have to? Why pass up a seemingly great bargain or discount?
How’s this for an answer?
I have countless more examples of patients like this that I have seen over the years who were just looking for a bargain and were attracted by rock bottom prices. They ended up with disastrous results and permanent consequences. This occurrence is all too common including with many who really should have known better. Read my post on this subject from almost six years ago: “Seeking Cosmetic Treatments From Medical Spas and Non Plastic Surgeons: Often Not a Wise Choice”
Just more examples of the enduring wisdom of the axioms “You get what you pay for” and “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.”
These surely apply to plastic surgery as well.
Too many of these discounted or bargain procedures are being performed by individuals who should NOT be doing them and for many reasons. They may have limited, poor or no training whatsoever which is often combined greed and unscrupulousness. There are even some “practitioners” with NO medical background who are performing procedures like liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts.
And innocent people DO die.
So who should you seek out for your cosmetic procedure?
You should search for a reputable Plastic Surgeon who is certified specifically by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and not by some of the fake “medical boards” that are around selling diplomas to other medical workers. A plastic surgeon has had to undergo years of rigorous and extensive training in the field of plastic surgery (in addition to preceding mandatory training) and then be thoroughly evaluated through comprehensive and difficult examinations which must be passed before they can be granted the status of being “board certified”. He/she must then follow a rigorous continuing medical education program while in practice.
This still does not guarantee you a result but should markedly improve your prospects. You will have to do your homework to make sure that a specific plastic surgeon is right for you and for that particular procedure you are considering.
At least you don’t have to wonder if their entire training consisted of a weekend of training courses.
Or, a YouTube how-to video marathon!
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona