Make Sure You Do Your Research First, Here’s How
Considering plastic surgery after your divorce? You’re not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 11 million people had plastic surgery in 2006. For many patients, a divorce or other dramatic life change was a motivating factor in their decisions to receive treatment. More than 40 percent of women in a national survey conducted by the National Women’s Health Resource Center sought to improve their physical appearance after a divorce or other significant life transition.
According to Dr. Arthur W. Perry, author of Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery, potential patients typically fall into one of two categories. “There are people who have always been unsatisfied with their appearance — these people have rhinoplasties (nasal surgery) for large noses, chin implants for small chins, and ear setbacks for protruding ears,” he says. “And then there are those people who were happy with their appearance when they were young but are disturbed by the changes of aging. These people might have facelifts or eyelid lifts, and also abdominoplasties (tummy tucks) and breast lifts.”
In order to address these concerns, many people turn to breast augmentation, nose reshaping, and liposuction, which were the three most popular surgical cosmetic procedures in 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Women are not the only ones receiving plastic surgery, however. Plastic surgery among men is getting more and more popular. “It’s become more acceptable for men to be concerned about appearance,” says Dr. Larry Fan, the founding director of 77 Plastic Surgery (formerly known as the Bay Area Center for Plastic Surgery) in Oakland, California. Men, who comprised nine percent of all patients in 2006, most often receive nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and liposuction, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In addition to improving physical appearance, plastic surgery can also alter a patient’s self-esteem and outlook on life. “Plastic surgery can improve how a person looks and feels about themselves,” says Dr. Jean M. Loftus, author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Plastic Surgery. “I have seen patients at all times of their lives — not just [after] divorce — who become more confident and feel better.”
However, Loftus advises patients to carefully consider their reasons for wanting surgery, especially after a divorce or separation. “A person should be seeking cosmetic surgery for himself or herself, not to impress someone and not to get out of depression,” she says. “That person should also have a specific part of the body that they want to improve.”
Fan echoes these concerns. “The motivation for having the surgery needs to be carefully considered and not just a reaction to something that has happened in one’s life,” he says. “Plastic surgery can help you look and feel younger, but it’s not a cure for the emotional distress that can occur after a divorce.”
In order to guard against unrealistic expectations, patients need to allow time to recover from their divorces before seeking plastic surgery. “I generally suggest that individuals give themselves at least six months to a year following a traumatic event before they make big life changes,” says New York City marriage and family therapist Rachel A. Sussman. She suggests making small lifestyle changes — like joining a gym or updating one’s clothing and hairstyle — before committing to any permanent procedures. Even small changes like these can do much to boost a person’s self-confidence after a painful divorce.
For those who decide surgery is the best option, finding a reputable and qualified surgeon should be the number one priority. “The single most important criterion for choosing a plastic surgeon is to find a doctor that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery,” says Perry. A subsidiary of the American Board of Medical Specialties, this Board requires that all doctors graduate from an accredited medical school, receive five years of additional training, and pass extensive exams before receiving certification.
In addition to confirming board certification, patients may wish to examine a doctor’s medical school and residency training. “I would look at someone’s training and experience,” says Fan. A surgeon’s personality can also have an impact. “You should be very comfortable with your surgeon and be able to communicate with him or her at all times,” she adds.
Finally, patients should be aware that unqualified doctors often misrepresent themselves. “Deception prevails,” says Loftus. “Patients should avoid consulting doctors who are not certificated by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and be cautious when listening to testimonials from prior customers. You can ask to speak to another patient,” she says, but the surgeon will only refer you to happy patients.”
“While finding a qualified surgeon may be difficult, for many patients, the effects of successful plastic surgery after a divorce are well worth the risks. There are many benefits to enhancing your appearance after a divorce,” says Sussman. “We want to put our best foot forward to the world and we want to feel good about ourselves when we emerge from such a difficult time.”
FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE DECIDING ON SURGERY
Do you truly want to change your physical appearance? (Never have plastic surgery just to impress an ex or current partner.)
Do you have a specific body part or parts that you would like to change? You must be able to explain problems that you would like your surgeon to address.
Are you prepared to accept the risks of surgery? Plastic surgery can have adverse physical and emotional side effects that range from annoying to severe.
Can you afford the operation or procedure that you desire? Surgery costs can sometimes run upwards of five thousand dollars. So don’t get breast implants if you cannot afford to pay for your groceries.
Are you in good physical health? Be sure to discuss any specific concerns with your surgeon and other health practitioners.
EXPERT RESOURCES TO CONSULT
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard” in certification, according to Dr. Fan. Check here to see if your doctor is certified.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides information about current trends, popular procedures, and average costs for different types of surgery.
“The Smart Woman’s Guide to Plastic Surgery,” by Dr. Jean M. Loftus, examines plastic surgery from a female prescriptive and includes an extended section on choosing the right surgeon. And “Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery” by Dr. Arthur W. Perry, provides information on everything from body lifts to Botox. (Both are available on Amazon.)
Kathryn Kohl is a freelance writer from New York City. She has written for print and online publications about topics ranging from farmer’s markets to fashion.
