Cosmetic Procedures Yes Or No? 5 Things To Consider Before

Cosmetic Procedures Yes Or No? Five things to consider before choosing a cosmetic procedure!

Despite the pandemic negatively impacting many businesses, plastic surgeons are experiencing the opposite. The interest in cosmetic surgery is booming, and the "Zoom Boom Effect" accounts for many cosmetic procedure demands during the pandemic.  

Why? Because people are constantly viewing their own and others' faces on zoom calls. Starring at yourself for hours on end has caused more people to take notice of facial anomalies, irregularities, asymmetry, and even compare themselves to others on screen.

In 2021 alone, facial plastic surgeries like brow and face lifts increased by 54%, and non-surgical procedures increased by 44%, according to the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons. More than $14.6 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in 2021 alone; 94% were performed on women. 

How To Avoid Botched Procedures

As the demand for cosmetic surgery procedures grows, botched procedures have been markedly rising thanks to unqualified practitioners.

Plastic surgery pitfalls include:

•     The surgery was performed by an unqualified surgeon.
•     A nurse is used instead of a qualified anesthesiologist.
•     An insufficient examination of a patient's medical history.
•     The procedure lacks a properly equipped space, such as a hospital.
  

As you can see there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a cosmetic procedure. It can be challenging if you have never undergone this type of procedure before, especially given the cost and potential risks involved in some of these treatments. 

Finding a board-certified, experienced surgeon is the first, most crucial step, but it isn't the only one.The field of plastic surgery has advanced significantly over the past few decades. Several advances have been made in the field of plastic surgery, not only in terms of sophistication and safety but also in terms of women and men being more comfortable with the idea of having cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance.

You just need to your part and I am here to help with five factors you need to consider before having any cosmetic treatments.

Here are five things potential cosmetic-surgery patients need to consider:

Have Realistic Expectations When It Comes To Cosmetic Procedures

I am bringing this up first as you need a realistic expectation of what these procedures can provide.

Although cosmetic procedures, even less invasive ones like treatments from a Botox treatment clinic, can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, they won't give you a better relationship, a better paying job, or a happier life.

But if you desire to correct crows feet, crooked nose, tighten a loose chin, or a mommy makeup over, chances are you'll be satisfied with the results, provided you do your homework first.

Finding The Perfect Medical Facility: Beyond The Google Search

Many people, especially in areas known for cosmetic procedures, start by searching online. For example, someone in Los Angeles might search for "Medical Spa Los Angeles." However, more than simply finding a website is required. You need to dig deeper to ensure you're choosing the best professional for your needs.

RealSelf: Your Trusted Resource for Plastic Surgery Research

Here's where RealSelf comes in. This valuable platform acts as a healthcare marketplace, connecting you with qualified physicians and allowing you to research various aesthetic treatments. RealSelf boasts over 430,000 doctor profiles, treatment options, and plastic surgery reviews – all from real patients sharing their experiences.

What Makes RealSelf So Useful?

• Find Local Doctors: Easily connect with qualified surgeons in your area.
• Unfiltered Reviews: Read candid reviews from actual patients about their experiences, good and bad.
• Before & After Photos: See real, unretouched photos to gauge potential results.
• Transparent Pricing: Get a general idea of costs associated with different procedures.
• Social Proof Matters: While credentials are necessary, don't be fooled by fancy degrees alone. Look for surgeons whose patients showcase natural-looking results on social media platforms. If someone has a frozen Botox look, you may want to consider another injector. 

Beyond Credentials: Why Patient Experiences Matter

While a surgeon's qualifications are essential, they don't tell the whole story. Finding a skilled and experienced surgeon with a good bedside manner is crucial. RealSelf reviews and social media can reveal valuable insights you won't necessarily find on a doctor's website.

By going beyond a simple Google search and utilizing resources like RealSelf, you can make informed decisions and choose a plastic surgeon who inspires confidence and delivers exceptional results.

Check The Plastic Surgeons' Qualifications When Considering A Cosmetic Procedure

I was surprised at the growing number of OB/GYNs, internal medicine doctors, and even cardiologists performing cosmetic procedures~ WHAT?? I know. But the truth is that the US government doesn't require that a surgeon has training in the services they offer. What are the signs that your plastic surgeon isn't fully qualified?

For starters, if you have a surgeon who usually works on the cardiovascular system doing face reconstructive surgery! This may seem hard to believe, but it's legal. Trust me. 

I had a qualified vein surgeon, part owner in a spa, who botched a CoolSculpting procedure on me. And since he was not a plastic surgeon he could not perform the procedure to correct the negative side effects from CoolSculpting.

So, when searching for the right plastic surgeon qualified to perform a cosmetic procedure it is up to you to ensure that your surgeon is American board-certified.

Schedule A Consultation And Ask Questions When Considering A Cosmetic Procedure

If you are interested in a nose job, you want to find a board-certified plastic surgeon skilled in reconstructing that part of the face.

It's essential to have a reputable practitioner familiar with plastic and reconstructive rhinoplasty so that you can breathe normally through your nose.

Here are some questions you should ask your cosmetic surgeon during your surgery consultation:

• Can you tell me how much training you have in the procedure I need?
• What is the number of years you have performed this procedure?
• Can you show me before and after pictures of past patients who have had this procedure? 
• Patient safety is essential, so ask about the medical center, operating room, and general anesthesia. 
• Are there any risks involved after the cosmetic surgery?
• And make sure you feel comfortable during the consultation.

Think It Through: Avoid Impulsive Cosmetic Procedures

Impulsive decisions are never a wise idea, especially when it comes to a cosmetic procedure, even ones that are no invasive. In addition to the above research, you should also think ahead.

For example, if you plan on having kids, it is best to wait before having surgery unless you have a facial procedure (such as a facelift or rhinoplasty). Breastfeeding - and having a baby! - transforms your body dramatically.

To achieve the best results, wait until you've finished breastfeeding your LAST baby before looking at a breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and/or lifting those sagging parts from pregnancies.

Be sure to select a cosmetic procedure right for you as cosmetic surgery is an art, not a science, requiring that patient and Doctor work together to achieve the desired outcome.

Lastly, any cosmetic procedure, and I repeat any, is something you do for yourself—not for a spouse, partner, ever!!!!! Your body is yours forever, and treat it preciously.

How The Zoom Boom Has Impacted Aesthetics

The pandemic has negatively impacted many businesses, but one business that has not seen a negative impact is aesthetics.  In fact, the demand for aesthetic procedures has actually kept climbing despite the pandemic. There are a few reasons why... and one Barbie's Beauty Bits will be talking about today is "The Zoom Boom." and how it has impacted aesthetics.

That is right, with the pandemic, many of us have had our share of Zoom meetings, virtual happy hours, virtual family gatherings, and who knows, maybe even a virtual date!

And while the Zoom Boom has brought convenience, it has also brought some unhappy truths about how we look and never knew it. Think about it. Most people do not know what they look like when speaking, sitting at a desk, or even sitting across from somebody during a lunch meeting! It is not like there is a mirror in front of us to see our facial expressions or worse that sitting face you may notice in a virtual meeting while working from home (Boy, do I hate mine).

The "Zoom Boom" And Recent Aesthetic Trends
With the Zoom Boom, many people went from only looking at themselves in the mirror on their bathroom breaks to suddenly staring at themselves on a screen for hours each day, not liking what they see. As a result, they had plenty of time to scrutinize and evaluate their under-eye bags, fine lines and wrinkles, double chins, and more.

What happens when people spend hours every week studying unflattering images of themselves? An increase in requests for plastic surgery, even virtual consultations, of course.

The American Society Of Plastic Surgeon Annual Trend Report
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released its annual trends report for 2020 recently. It revealed the evolving aesthetic trends that occurred in plastic surgery during the pandemic and continues today. Below are some of the most notable results and other aesthetic trends cosmetic surgeons are noticing that are trending today.

More Women See Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Positively
The ASPS survey found that 11% of women are more interested in aesthetic plastic surgery today than before the pandemic started. One surgeon noted that people have learned how cosmetic procedures can improve their beauty, make them look younger, and enhance their self-esteem.

Nose Reshaping Is The Most Popular Pandemic Plastic Surgery Procedure
Breast augmentation has been the most popular procedure for years, but the zoom effect has placed a focus more on the face, and out of this the new aesthetic trend that is taking the lead is reshaping the nose with rhinoplasty (nose job). In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for many facial surgical procedures, including eyelid surgery and facelifts.

As we age, we tend to develop wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and row. It’s easier to see those wrinkles and lines on a video camera, so people have wanted to do something about it with plastic surgery. 

Non Surgical Rhinoplasty Trend Due To The Zoom Boom
Another aesthetic trend for patients who are not ready to have an invasive procedure, like a full rhinoplasty, has been nonsurgical rhinoplasty. By injecting dermal fillers, it’s now possible for patients to have minor bumps and dips in the nose filled in to improve the profile of the nose.

Plastic surgeons also are seeing the other aesthetic trends in plastic surgery come to the fore this year, see some of these below.

The Zoom Boom: Navigating Your Facial Rejuvenation Options
Some surgeons report that patients are getting more sophisticated in their grasp of what their skincare products can do and how to find the items with the best ingredients.

Along with this improved knowledge, surgeons see more interest in nonsurgical procedures to enhance the texture and tone of facial skin. For example, hybrid fractional laser resurfacing can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and minimize sun damage and sunspots.

Plus, laser resurfacing has minimal downtime, and people won’t even know you had work done. Many patients like the idea of rejuvenating their faces and going back to work or their daily routine right away.

Dermal Fillers And Injectables
New types of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are being released, and they are highly effective in treating facial wrinkles around the eyes. They also help fill in lost volume in the lips and cheeks and make you look years younger.

There also are new injectables trending, such as the neurotoxin DAXI, that may last as long as six months. This can be a difference-maker for patients who want reduced wrinkles and smoother skin with fewer sessions.

Nonsurgical Eyelid Lifts And Rhinoplasties
These procedures are growing because surgeons are getting better fillers and are gaining skills in their techniques. In addition, many surgeons contend that the results with fillers for these procedures are impressive and can even match surgical results, although the effects are temporary.

Also, there is no pain involved with injections for eyelid lifts and rhinoplasties and very little recovery time.

Further, some plastic surgeons are using HA gel filler to improve the shape of the nose tip and lift it a bit, which works well for people of Asian heritage.

Combination Treatments Due To The Mask Effect
Another big aesthetic trend is combining plastic surgery with nonsurgical treatments to provide a more comprehensive result for the face. Some of the facial treatments include longer-lasting fillers, Botox, lasers, and procedures that use radio frequency to stimulate collagen production.

Some patients pair these treatments with fat grafting to restore lost volume in the cheeks and other parts of the face. 

High-Definition Liposuction Attributed To The #Quarantine15
Staying home means constant access to food and minimal access to the gym. Combine that with elevated stress and more time to experiment in the kitchen resulting in weight gain, which leads to the popular hashtag #Quarantine15 and a popular aesthetic trend, body contouring, including high-definition liposuction. With the talents of  highly skilled plastic surgery experts, it is now possible to remove or melt fat down to a mere handful of cells under the skin.

So there you have it, beauties. An inside look on The Zoom Boom, whether video conferencing or video calling, impacts the attitude towards aesthetic surgery-until next time!  

References

Aesthetic Trends 2021

Cosmetic Surgery Trends For 2021 And Beyond

American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2020 Trend Report

Why Medical Aesthetics Are Booming Despite The Pandemic

Medical Aesthetics Are Booming Despite The Pandemic? That is right! Even the pandemic hasn't slowed down the demand for Botox, fillers, and tummy tucks. I've been seeing this amongst my aesthetic clients, which is why I asked Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Matthew Schulman, to help me to understand better what has been going on in the medical aesthetics industry despite the pandemic. Let's read what he said about why the demand for cosmetic procedures is on the rise amid the pandemic.

Most people cannot remember a more challenging year in their lifetime than 2020. The pandemic changed everything — from how we work and interact with our families to how we grocery shop or ride the subway. Unfortunately, that fear, uncertainty, and dread that originated in 2020 have also followed us into 2021 and continues.

Like most other professionals, plastic surgeons have seen these global changes impact their practice. One of the things being how would we ever recover from the impact of this global setback?

But fortunately, over the past few months, the cosmetic industry has seen an increase in demand for invasive plastic surgery procedures as well as nonsurgical procedures. Across the board, we’re seeing new and impressive trends taking over the industry.

Below, please take a closer look at this phenomenon and the new medical aesthetics trends we see in 2021 as they continue to unfold, according to Dr. Matthew Schulman Plastic Surgery in New York City.

2021: Changing Trends In The Plastic Surgery Landscape Amid The Pandemic

Something unique occurs when people are forced to stay in their homes for long periods, and their regular routines are completely upheaved and drastically altered.

On the one hand, it’s a time to look inward. We are abruptly reminded that everything can change in an instant, so we take a deep breath and think that over: “Okay, what have I been putting off that I actually desperately want to accomplish?”

On the other hand, it’s a time to look beyond ourselves. Social distancing and quarantining make us reexamine our relationships with others and with the outside world at large. We ask ourselves anew: “When I do have a chance to see and interact with people normally again, what exactly do I want to show and present to the world that I’m not already showing and presenting?”

Take these two overwhelming trains of thought, and many people often conclude that changes need to be made in their lives. To be sure, the monotony of everyday living can keep us from making significant changes in the first place. “There’s always tomorrow” and “I’ll get started on that later” are sentiments that live very comfortably in routine and patterned behavior.

Throw in a pandemic, and things are very different.

When COVID-19 threw a wrench into our lives, everyone felt the blow. But as someone who works in an industry focused on radical life changes and big transformations, I had a unique vantage point. Whereas I was worried I’d see the industry falter because of the economic downturn and rampant fear of medical establishments and procedures, I was also aware that people don’t stop wanting to put their best feet forward even in the worst of times.

Lo and behold, as soon as restrictions softened last year, I saw an influx of people who had been reexamining their lives and who had realized they needed a change. After all, plastic surgery/cosmetic surgery is where they want to begin for many people who want a change.

Why Do We See An Increased Interest In Cosmetic Procedures Despite The Pandemic
Overall, we’ve seen an increased demand for both surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 2021. I’d say the main reason for this is that more people are working from home than ever before, which is ideal for recovery.

Reason #1: The Pandemic Has Allowed More Time For Isolated Recovery For Cosmetic Procedures
One of the main things that hold people back from getting plastic surgery is going through a lengthy recovery period. Even if you can get time off from work to stay home and fully recover, it can make people feel self-conscious to have everyone know why you're taking time off from work. During a pandemic, though, everyone's at home anyway. At certain points during this ordeal, you wouldn’t even be pressured to meet someone for a coffee or to go to someone’s birthday party.

Likewise, you can generally have all the recovery time you need when you work from home — or at least a lengthier period than you would otherwise have. With certain procedures, it’s hard to get up and get dressed for a while. Commuting and sitting at a desk for any length of time can be challenging too. Now, if you work from home, you can recover more peacefully and for longer.

Reason #2:  Nonsurgical Procedures Have Increased Amid The Pandemic
In terms of nonsurgical procedures, I see many patients happy to stay at home and away from others after getting Botox, fillers, chemical peels, and laser treatments. That way, they can remain isolated during any period of temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or discomfort.

Reason #3:  Finding Child Care Has Been Easier During The Panic
At the same time, when you get plastic surgery, and you have a family, you need to make arrangements for someone to take care of your children. If you get a tummy tuck when you have small children who need to be watched over closely, chased after, and frequently picked up, this necessitates help.

During this pandemic, finding easy childcare can go one of two ways. For some people, with quarantining, social distancing, and general anxiety is pervasive, it can be difficult to find child care. For many, though, it's actually easier to find childcare now than it was pre-pandemic. Friends and family aren't as busy and maybe around, ready, and able to assist in caring for children after your surgery. It all depends on where you live, who you know, and what your personal circumstances are.

The Hottest Pandemic Cosmetic Procedures? (Botox Boost)

I’ve also noticed changes in where people want to get surgery or nonsurgical procedures on their body. In many ways, the focus has shifted to areas that are covered by masks. Because mask-wearing is so pervasive, it’s easy to hide this area of the face if you’ve recently had lip fillers, chin augmentation, a neck lift, Botox, etc. This makes a recovery far easier for the patient.

For more invasive surgeries, it seems that patients who may have only been interested in augmenting one area of their body previously are now looking for full-body contouring and breast augmentation — often within the same procedure. Again, this seems to be due to the current ability of many to recover in privately isolated quarters for as long as necessary.

Quote From Dr. Schulman: "Undoubtedly, we are living in a unique era of history. More than ever before in our lifetime, it seems that no one knows what tomorrow will bring. As plastic surgeons, my colleagues and I have seen increased demands for our services across the board. We are trying to handle this influx as best as we possibly can — all while maintaining high levels of care and strict safety standards for the sake of our staff and patients."

For more information about Dr. Schulman, visit his practice online at Dr. Matthew Schulman Plastic Surgery in New York City.

References:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/american-society-of-plastic-surgeons-unveils-covid19s-impact-and-pent-up-patient-demand-fueling-the-industrys-current-post-pandemic-boom

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200909-why-plastic-surgery-demand-is-booming-amid-lockdown

https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/Fulltext/2020/12000/The_Impact_of_the_COVID_19_Pandemic_on_Plastic.56.aspx