With today’s cultural emphasis on health, longevity and wellness, cosmetic surgery has become a popular accepted extension of improving one’s self image.
At a press conference on “Redefining Vanity”, a social psychologist at Stanford University described a new world in which plastic surgery is acceptable and unstigmatized; a world in which it is “healthy” to do whatever it takes to feel better about yourself. It is a world in which “women and men are increasingly pro-choice about appearance enhancement.”
Women generally do not list aging, career advancement, or attracting a mate as their primary motivation for cosmetic surgery – the top reason given by most women is to feel better about themselves. Cosmetic surgery today is not just about self as in ‘selfish’. It’s about self as in ‘self-worth’, ‘self-confidence’ and ‘self-fulfilling’. To suggest that changing one’s looks can profoundly affect the quality of one’s life is extreme; however, small details of our appearance can be critical determinants of how well we do in our personal life, interactions amongst friends and our professional life.
The circumstances for each individual will be unique. While making the decision whether or not one is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, it is important to consider the following: nasal surgery will never cure depression, a tummy tuck will not secure a job for which one is not qualified, and a breast reduction will never make your parents or boyfriend love you more.
What cosmetic surgery can provide is the combination of a self-confidence boost and the edge that good looks confer in this society. Potential patients who seem seriously depressed or looking for a quick-fix or impossible results should consider other means for addressing issues that surgical intervention could never resolve. Some patients will take heed in this advice while others will continue to look for a surgeon willing to perform the “quick-fix”. However, the vast majority of people who want a breast augmentation, nasal surgery or liposuction are not emotionally unstable or selfish people. They are realistic women who think a smaller nose, slimmer thighs, or bigger breasts will make them feel good about themselves and be noticed and approved by others.
Can plastic surgery change your life? Yes. Will it? That depends on several factors, most notably: what you look like, what you think you look like, and what aspect of your life needs changing. If your answers point toward having cosmetic surgery, go for it – and focus on how wonderful the new you is going to feel.
Sources: cosmetic surgery
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Surgeon Launches Updated Web Site for Plastic Surgery Patients in San Diego and the Temecula Valley
Offering plastic surgery for San Diego and Temecula residents, Dr. Richard Chaffoo is a triple board certified plastic surgeon. His updated Web site contains even more information on cosmetic options and shares stories from real patients of the practice.
La Jolla, CA (PRWEB) June 26, 2008 -- Richard Chaffoo, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., has just re-launched his Web site (www.drchaffoo.com) to provide new features for online visitors. He sees patients from across Southern California in communities such as San Diego, La Jolla, Temecula, and Riverside. Dr. Chaffoo is triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
"I hope that this updated Web site makes it even easier for people considering plastic surgery in San Diego and the Temecula Valley to learn about their options," says Dr. Chaffoo. "Many times, the women and men who come to my practice aren't sure which procedures are right for them. That's why my site provides detailed information on almost a dozen popular plastic surgery procedures for the breast, body, and face. I also highlight information on the latest medical spa treatments, which I offer in partnership with La Jolla Dermatology."
One of the exciting new features on the site is the Real Patient Stories section, which provides accounts from 4 patients talking about their experience working with Dr. Chaffoo. A few of the stories even have personal photos shared by the patients, so that Web visitors can get a better sense of how surgery has transformed their looks.
"I am grateful to have so many patients who are willing to share their experience," says Dr. Chaffoo. "They're doing a tremendous service to others considering plastic surgery in San Diego and the Temecula Valley. People want to know what they can expect if choose cosmetic surgery, and hearing from real patients is a perfect way to learn about your options and get a sense of what to look for in a surgeon."
La Jolla and Temecula Valley plastic surgery patients choose from a wide variety of procedures at Dr. Chaffoo's practice. Many of his patients are interested in facial sculpting procedures such as rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or a face lift.
"My advanced training in surgery for the face, head, and neck allows me to create results for my patients that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional," adds Dr. Chaffoo. "For instance, a person considering nose surgery may want to enhance their look, improve their breathing, or both. Most cosmetic surgeons won't deal with a patient's functional concerns, but I have advanced knowledge of the structures of the nose and can provide comprehensive improvement."
Dr. Chaffoo also offers surgical procedures for the breast and body. Many women are ready for a breast enhancement procedure such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. Body contouring procedures include liposuction and abdominoplasty, a procedure also known as a tummy tuck.
"No matter what their procedure interest, I hope visitors to my updated site can see the dedication my staff and I have to achieving remarkable results and ensuring patients have a satisfying experience from start to finish."
Dr. Richard Chaffoo (www.drchaffoo.com) holds the rare distinction of being triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Chaffoo possesses over 20 years of experience in aesthetic surgery. The San Diego plastic surgeon has two plastic surgery centers - one in La Jolla and one in Murrieta - where he serves patients from Riverside to San Diego. Dr. Chaffoo is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Fellow of The American College of Surgeons, and member of The International College of Surgeons. He also holds fellowships and faculty positions at Stanford University and The University of California at San Diego.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
In Honor of Kanye's Mom, Lawmakers Push for Stricter Plastic Surgery Rules
SACRAMENTO — Six months after Kanye West's mother died following liposuction and breast surgery, two state lawmakers are pushing for greater protections for cosmetic surgery patients.
Such surgeries are increasingly carried out in outpatient clinics, where doctors can avoid the type of rigorous review they would expect at traditional hospitals.
"These (clinics) are not hospitals," state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), chairman of the senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development, told the Los Angeles Times in a story printed Monday. "You have to raise the standards."
Though California has previously pushed to regulate outpatient surgical centers and legislators passed a law saying such centers must be accredited by a state-recognized agency, Ridley-Thomas said the law has been ineffective. He has proposed legislation requiring regular inspections.
Known as SB 1454, his legislation would require outpatient facilities to be inspected at least once every three years.
Another lawmaker is also pushing for new protections.
Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter said Donda West's niece asked her to introduce a bill requiring a health check before a person chooses to have cosmetic surgery. She introduced the "Donda West Law" in February.
West, 58, died at a Los Angeles-area hospital on Nov. 10, a day after she underwent breast reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction procedures.
She had been sent home following
her 5 1/2-hour surgery. A coroner's autopsy report found that West most likely died of heart disease coupled with complications after plastic surgery. But, it said the exact cause of death couldn't be known.
Dr. Jan Adams, who operated on West, has denied any wrongdoing.
California is not alone in seeking to increase oversight of cosmetic surgery doctors. Florida has passed a law designed to educate patients about their doctor's credentials and in the Canadian province of Ontario, officials are clamping down after a woman died following liposuction.