The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

What to Do When a Loved One Wants Plastic Surgery - Friday, March 21, 2008

What do you do when someone you love starts talking about getting plastic surgery, but you don't think it's a good idea? Dr. Joyce Brothers, nationally syndicated columnist received this question from a mother whose daughter was considering breast enhancement and nose surgery (rhinoplasty). Dr. Brothers' advice was good, so I'll repeat it here, and add a few points. Dr. Brothers' response was that the mother should make sure the daughter knew the risks of the procedure. Then, if the daughter's mind is made up, the mother should help her daughter "find a plastic surgeon who will make the surgery and recovery process as safe as possible." The mother was encouraged to find out the reasons for wanting the surgery and make sure they were appropriate. Finally, Dr. Brothers recommends that the mother "should be encouraging and support her in this decision."

All this is good advice, but to it I would add that it is often very difficult for others to understand why a person who looks attractive to us might want to undergo plastic surgery. The truth of the matter is that nothing is more intimate than a person's relationship to his or her own body, and we may never understand the reasons why someone feels the need for a particular operation. If you care for someone, the best you can do is help them make the best decision possible and minimize risks.

To learn more about selecting a cosmetic surgeon and how you can minimize the risks of plastic surgery, contact the Centre, P.C. to set up a consultation.