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Plastic Surgery and the Entertainment Industry
In an industry where you are judged primarily on your looks and
your age, plastic surgery is almost mandatory for any age group.
It's becoming just as important in the corporate world, too.
Artists and executives are more likely to get hired if they
appear young, trim and attractive. A nip here, a tuck there and
you're good to go.
But what happens when something goes terribly wrong? We've seen
some very odd sightings both on the streets of LA and on the
covers of various supermarket tabloids. Burt Reynolds and Farrah
Fawcett seem to have their skin pulled so tightly that their
faces are actually misshapen. Joan Rivers jokes about talking
through her navel after so many face lifts. Then there's the
infamous Michael Jackson.
A plastic surgeon on the Discovery Channel recently stated that
Michael Jackson's nose is actually dying from all the surgery.
They displayed a recent picture of Michael Jackson in court and
the skin was actually peeling off his nose. And now there is
speculation that his nose is really a prosthesis.
While these particular surgeries are all considered elective,
many plastic surgeries are required to correct a serous defect
or repair someone after an accident, or to correct a medical
situation brought about by a previous surgery.
So, how do you choose a reputable plastic surgeon and minimize
the potential disastrous effects of surgery or surgical
complications? People on the "A" list in the entertainment
industry get recommendations from other celebrities who have had
skilled surgeons work on them. But, what do the rest of us do?
You know, those of us who don't make $25 million a picture or
have $43 million record deals do?
The sad fact is that many individuals base their decision on
whether their doctor participates in their insurance program's
PPO or HMO. Others base their decision on the price of the
surgery. Neither of these methods guarantees a skilled surgeon,
and if you're shopping around for a bargain deal, limit that to
what you can find at the local Wal-Mart, not your surgeon.
You're risking your life if you do. There have been numerous
horror stories and even deaths resulting from bargain basement
surgeons promising beautiful breast or a youthful appearance.
Since it appears as if it's almost mandatory that people in the
entertainment industry get plastic surgery at some point in
their careers, you need to choose wisely. Here are a few
questions you should ask when seeking out a skilled and
reputable surgeon.
1. Get several recommendations from verifiable and reliable
sources.
2. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to verify
if he or she is in good standing. Here is their website:
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/. Also go to the American Board of
Plastic Surgeons: http://www.abplsurg.org/ to see if the doctors
you are considering are listed.
The American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the only specialty
board responsible for certifying plastic surgeons approved by
the American Medical Association and the American Board of
Medical Specialties. Any doctor who is certified by the board
must meet the following requirements:
* They must have graduated from a school, which is accredited at
the time of graduation by the Liaison Committee for Medical
Education (LCME), a Canadian Medical School accredited by the
Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS),
or from a United States osteopathic school accredited by the
American Osteopathic Association (AOA). * They must have
completed a minimum of three years clinical training in general
surgery, or complete an approved residency in orthopedic
surgery, or be certified by the American Board of
Otolaryngology. * They must have completed a minimum of two to
three years approved residency training for plastic surgery in
the United States or Canada. * They must have successfully
passed a written, practical and oral examination in plastic
surgery. * They must maintain an ethical standing in the
community as well as moral status.
You can also check with the Federal Trade Commission for
instructions: http://www.ftc.gov/. Don't go strictly by the
certificates on the wall. Anyone can look impressive by printing
up (or ordering) a certificate or a diploma and getting a good
framer.
Ask questions of the doctor!!! Find out what percentage of his
surgical practice is spent performing the type surgery you are
interested in. Find out the length of time your doctor has
invested in training for the procedure, as well as how many of
the procedure you are choosing to undertake they have performed
in total and how many years they have actually performed it. Ask
how many of these surgeries were successful and how many were
not. Ask what they attributed for the negative results. Find out
what happened and why so it doesn't happen to you. Also find out
if they are continuing their education to keep fresh in the
field.
If the doctor is resentful or cops an attitude because you ask
detailed questions and expect complete answers from them, walk
away, going on to the next doctor on your list. They should have
nothing to hide. There are dentists who have gone to a weekend
seminar and are now certified to do liposuction. Now that's
scary! Plastic surgery is a very lucrative business with
billions of dollars spent annually. Everyone wants his or her
piece of the pie. Make sure to verify all information with
reliable sources.
1. Tell your doctor you would like to speak to some of his
patients who have already had similar procedures done. Most
reputable surgeons adhere to this practice.
2. Get a second opinion from the second doctor on your list and
repeat steps 2-4 again before you make your decision. Ask
yourself an important question: "Who did I feel, gut level
feeling, more comfortable with?" Then and only then, make your
informed decision.
While all of these steps may seem like overkill, and may take
some time, they will save you years of additional reconstructive
surgery and thousands of dollars if you ask questions, verify
information and practice patience at the onset.
A year and a half ago I had a medical need to undergo breast
reduction. I had insurance and simply chose a provider on my
list. I made my decision based on my insurance carrier. I didn't
do my due diligence and check the doctor out as I am advocating
you do. Unfortunately, a year after the surgery, I was still
suffering from infection, hardening and complete numbness in
both breasts, not just in one area. Additionally the surgery
left me with a deformity on both sides that caused problems both
physically and esthetically. I had to undergo more surgery as a
result, but once again I was at a loss of who to go to, or more
importantly who I should trust.
A good friend of mine had a child who unfortunately needed to
undergo plastic surgery. She knew my plight and recommended her
child's doctor. I was little apprehensive as you can imagine.
I spoke to other friends about future surgery. I mentioned my
thoughts about using this doctor. And, to my surprise, many of
them had heard of him. Apparently he is very famous in the
entertainment industry and extremely well respected.
After seeing him, I understood how he had earned his reputation.
He and his staff were, and are incredible! I have never been to
any doctor who was as thorough or able to put me as much at ease.
Needless to say I'm doing extremely well now because of him and
his staff's skill and care. After all I went through with such
an essential part of my physical body and appearance, as well as
my personal health, I am on the road to recovery finally.
Take a word of warning from someone who has "been there, done
that," do your research. If you choose poorly, especially while
working in an industry that places so much emphasis on physical
beauty, you may no longer have the career you once had; and more
importantly, you may not have your health or your life. Just as
you practiced your craft to become the best at what you do,
carefully pick a surgeon who has put the same care and effort
into his training. In this case you will get what you pay for.
Copyright 2005 Jaci Rae
About the author:
Jaci Rae is the #1 Best Selling author of "Winning Points with
the Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time" ISBN 0974622907
and "The Indie Guide To Music, Marketing and Money" ISBN
097462294X as well as the host of the Jaci Rae show. To hear
Jaci's popular show, with some of the top behind the scenes as
well as famous bands go to: www.jacirae.com click on the weekly
show link.
Jaci Rae
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