Dr. Gelman: Why I Love Being a Plastic Surgeon
I love being a plastic surgeon. Seriously, I can’t think of a better job. You basically make people happier about how they define themselves. I know appearance can be superficial, but that’s what it is supposed to be – the surface.
When you feel “fat” just because you have a bulge in your lower abdomen after a few kids, why shouldn’t you get that tummy flattened? You will look “sexier” and “more in shape,” clothes will fit better. The result, as patients constantly tell me after a tummy tuck, is that you feel “sexier” and “more in shape.” The “look” does affect how you “feel,” and you deserve that. Go ahead and tell people you just worked out, but you and I know that sit-ups alone won’t pull that tummy back in after the kids stretched the muscles apart.
If you always wanted bigger or perkier breasts, you deserve them. Your current breasts are fine, but if you want a little more, or a little lift, you should get them. Patients tell me they just feel better about themselves when they get that look. I’m not talking about breasts that come into the room five minutes before you do. I’m not talking about the “what ridiculous implants” look. I’m talking about the “wow, those look nice” appearance of reasonably sized implants.
When you feel good about your appearance, it does truly affect how you feel about the deeper part of your self. It is the rare individual who truly cares not an iota about their appearance. Clothes, haircuts, shoes, make-up all are part of how you present yourself to the world and reflect your own inner beauty.
