Are you worried if you are a plastic surgery addict?
Seattle Plastic Surgeon discusses plastic surgery addiction.
I saw a patient today for her three month follow-up visit. She was very pleased with the outcome of her surgery (as was I). She then stated that she was interested in having a couple of additional procedures performed in the next 6 months or so. This lead to a discussion about “plastic surgery addiction”.
I have had a couple of patients over the years that I feel crossed the line into plastic surgery addiction, but they are few and far between, at least in Seattle. These patients had multiple procedures over several years and were always a little unhappy with how the procedures turned out and always wanted some sort of revision but then kept signing up for additional procedures. I finally figured out that these patients were looking for happiness through plastic surgery and when happiness was not acheived, they tried again. Having the “plastic surgery does not make an unhappy person a happy person” discussion is always extremely painful for both the patient and the surgeon, but it is a necessary conversation for these type of patients.
These patients are in stark contrast to the lady I saw today. She had a nice result and the surgery increased her general feelings of happiness and self confidence. She liked her improved figure and the way her clothing fit her. So is it unusual for her to think; “Geeze, it worked for my hips. Maybe I should have my upper arms done.” I think not.
I almost jokingly tell patients that we will try to make their surgical experince so pleasant, that they will want to come back for more. Well, sometimes that is indeed the case!
Thanks for reading! Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder
@lisalynnsowder
