A Gift of Understanding

Every year I meet a few people who choose to give a member of their family or their spouse a gift of plastic surgery. Even after 18 years of practice, this gesture reflects a level of compassion that is so profound that it renews my faith in human nature.

The usual course of events is typically initiated by the woman of the household who is troubled by what she perceives as a physical defect. She then tentatively proposes to her husband that they investigate plastic surgery. The husband who has become comfortable with his wife's appearance responds with "I love you the way you are." This answer frustrates and angers the woman and confuses the man.

What went wrong here?

1. There is an overall failure by the male to recognize the problem and its significance to the woman. I have actually done major surgery on wives and had the husbands fail to notice.
2. Many men feel that the changes are for them. For example, most men would think that breast enlargement is for their sakes when most women tell me they want breast enlargement so their clothes and bathing suits fit better.
3. Many men and women have spent their lives giving to their families and as a consequence have a lot of trouble doing something for themselves without needlessly experiencing feelings of guilt.
4. The misconception of vanity. We live in a society that values youth, attractiveness, and health to the tune of billions of dollars annually, but paradoxically then accuses men and women who try to improve themselves as vain.

The power of Plastic Surgery to change lives was one of the most important aspects of my decision to make it my life's work. Protruding ears, prominent noses, premature aging, small breasts are all easily fixed and can profoundly change the lives of the recipients. To give this gift not only allows you to share in the same satisfaction that the plastic surgeon gets from his work, but demonstrates a level of understanding and caring rare in this age.