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Plastic surgery and 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 is also becoming so important in the business world. Artists and executives are more likely to be hired if they appear young, slim, and attractive. One bite here, one fold there, and you’re done.

But what happens when something goes terribly wrong? We have seen some very strange sightings both on the streets of Los Angeles and on the covers of various supermarket tabloids. Burt Reynolds and Farrah Fawcett seem to have such tight skin that their faces are really misshapen. Joan Rivers jokes about speaking through her belly button after so many face lifts. Then there is the infamous Michael Jackson.

A Discovery Channel plastic surgeon recently stated that Michael Jackson’s nose is actually dying from the entire surgery. They showed a recent photo of Michael Jackson in court and the skin was actually peeling off his nose. And now it is speculated that his nose is really a prosthesis.

While these particular surgeries are considered elective, many plastic surgeries are necessary to correct a serous defect or repair someone after an accident, or to correct a medical situation caused by 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 receive recommendations from other celebrities who have had expert surgeons work on them. But what do the rest of us do? You know, those of us who don’t make $ 25 million a movie or have $ 43 million record deals?

The sad reality is that many people base their decision on whether their doctor participates in the PPO or HMO of their insurance program. Others base their decision on the price of the surgery. Neither method guarantees a skilled surgeon, and if you’re looking for an inexpensive deal, limit it to what you can find at the local Wal-Mart, not your surgeon. You are risking your life if you do. There have been numerous horror stories and even deaths as a result of basement surgeons promising beautiful breasts or a youthful appearance.

Since it seems like it’s almost mandatory for people in the entertainment industry to undergo plastic surgery at some point in their careers, you need to choose wisely. Here are some questions to ask when looking for a reputable and qualified surgeon.

1. Get several recommendations from reliable and verifiable sources.

2. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see if it is current. Here’s their website: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/. Also visit 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 board of specialties responsible for certifying plastic surgeons approved by the American Medical Association and the American Board of Medical Specialties. Any board certified physician must meet the following requirements:

o 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 State Osteopathic School accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

o Must have completed a minimum of three years of clinical training in general surgery, or complete an approved residency in orthopedic surgery, or be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

o Must have completed a minimum of two to three years of approved plastic surgery residency training in the United States or Canada.

o Have successfully passed a written, practical and oral exam in plastic surgery.

o They must maintain an ethical position in the community, as well as a moral state.

You can also check with the Federal Trade Commission for instructions: http://www.ftc.gov/. Do not strictly follow the certificates on the wall. Anyone can look impressive by printing (or ordering) a certificate or diploma and getting a good framing.

Ask the doctor questions !!! Find out what percentage of your surgical practice is dedicated to performing the type of surgery that interests you. Find out how much time your doctor has spent training for the procedure, as well as how many of the procedures you are choosing to perform have been performed in total and how many years they have actually performed. Ask how many of these surgeries were successful and how many were not. Ask them what they attributed to the negative results. Find out what happened and why so it doesn’t happen to you. Also find out if they continue their education to stay fresh in the field.

If the doctor is resentful or police-like because you ask detailed questions and expect full answers from them, walk away and move on to the next doctor on your list. They should have nothing to hide. There are dentists who have attended a weekend seminar and are now certified to perform liposuction. That is really scary! Plastic surgery is a very lucrative business with billions of dollars spent annually. Everyone wants their slice of the cake. Be sure to verify all information with reliable sources.

1. Tell your doctor that you would like to speak with some of his patients who have already had similar procedures. Most of the 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 making a decision. Ask yourself an important question: “Who did I feel most comfortable with, with my guts?” Then, and only then, make an informed decision.

While all of these steps may seem excessive 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 from the start.

A year and a half ago I had a medical need to undergo a breast reduction. I had insurance and just chose a provider from my list. I made my decision based on my insurance company. I did not do my due diligence and checked the doctor as I am recommending that you do. Unfortunately, a year after the surgery, she was still suffering from infection, hardening, and total numbness in both breasts, not just one area. In addition, the surgery left me with a deformity on both sides that caused both physical and aesthetic problems. I had to undergo more surgeries as a result, but once again I didn’t know who to turn to or, more importantly, who I should trust.

A good friend of mine had a son who unfortunately had to undergo plastic surgery. She was aware of my plight and recommended her son’s doctor. I was a bit apprehensive as you can imagine.

I spoke with other friends about future surgeries. I mentioned my thoughts on using this doctor. And, to my surprise, many of them had heard of him. Apparently, he is very famous in the entertainment industry and highly respected.

After seeing him, I understood how he had earned his reputation. He and his staff were and are amazing! I have never been to a doctor who has been so thorough or able to reassure me so much.

Needless to say, I am doing very well now thanks to him and the skill and care of his staff. After all that I went through with such an essential part of my physical body and appearance, as well as my personal health, I am finally on the road to recovery.

Take a word of warning from someone who “has been there, has done that”, do your research. If you make the wrong choice, 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 most 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 choose 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