Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Dr. Moneer Jaibaji
Plastic Surgery, Sharp Grossmont Hospital

There are a variety of options available for attaining a younger, more youthful appearance. Selecting plastic surgery is a serious and personal choice, and it’s important to consider its benefits and risks. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji, a board-certified plastic surgeon affiliated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital, answers a few questions about plastic surgery to help you decide if it’s the right option for you.

Why do people choose to have plastic surgery?
There are many reasons that drive millions of people to undergo plastic surgery every year. The desire to have smoother skin, sharper facial features, and a contoured body are the most common reasons for people to seek plastic surgery. The effects that age, sun damage, or childbirth haves on the body can be reversed with these types of rejuvenation procedures. Plastic surgery can also have a significant impact on an individual by improving self-esteem and self-confidence.

How has plastic surgery technology changed over the years?
Over the past several decades, many products have been added in the field of plastic surgery. Noninvasive rejuvenation techniques, from fillers to lasers, have changed the field of plastic surgery. These treatments have allowed people to choose from an array of options that offer shorter recovery time and effective rejuvenation, designed to last temporarily. There has been a significant improvement in devices such as breast implants, tissue expanders and injectable fillers. The use of high-quality digital imaging to review potential results during a consultation has been another milestone in plastic surgery. This technology is used primarily in facial and breast surgery and is growing in popularity.

What should people consider before deciding to have plastic surgery? Are nonsurgical procedures effective options for certain physical enhancements?
In general people need to consider the following before deciding on surgery as an option: their reason for wanting surgery, downtime/recovery time, cost and what it takes mentally and physically to prepare for the procedure. People also need to do their homework when choosing a doctor to perform their cosmetic procedures. There are many physicians who will claim to be cosmetic surgeons, but lack the appropriate training for aesthetic surgery. Checking a physician’s credentials is the first step in preparing for surgery.

Nonsurgical options are very effective for certain physical enhancements. They have several advantages over surgical procedures including minimal or zero downtime, the convenience of the procedure being performed within the doctor’s office, less pain and low cost. However, when it comes to longevity, nonsurgical procedures don’t provide long-lasting results attained by surgical treatments. 

How would you recommend finding the right plastic surgeon?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery website has information available to the public that lists board-certified plastic surgeons and is a good place to start when searching for a physician. The site will also provide information on different types of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Once you find a list of plastic surgeons in your area, visit their websites. During the initial consultation with a potential surgeon, ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with features similar to yours. You can also ask for references from other patients who have had similar procedures.

It is important that patients think twice about choosing a plastic surgeon based on a fancy ad seen in a magazine or yellow pages. The best thing an individual can do when considering plastic surgery is to do plenty of research about both the procedure and the surgeon in order to make the right choice.

For More Information on Plastic Surgery
To find a Sharp-affiliated physician, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, or search for a San Diego plastic surgeon.