The holidays are nearly here, and the gift-giving frenzy is shifting into high gear. There are always people in your circle of friends and family that are easy to gift. Of course, there are others that require a great deal of creative thinking when it comes to finding just the right thing.
The terms “Botox®™, facelift, liposuction and tummy tuck are tossed around the vernacular like the bride’s bouquet at a wedding. It is difficult to figure out who is serious about undergoing a procedure and who isn’t serious. It begs the question – “is it okay to gift plastic surgery?” The answer is “yes” and “know.” Yes, it is okay, with the caveat that you know the person well whom you are giving the gift too.
The Psychology Behind Gift Giving
The purpose of giving a gift is to show your appreciation, gratitude, love, and respect. Care must be taken to ensure that your gift comes across to the receiver with the intent to delight.
A November 2017 article in Psychology Today, confirms that knowing the person well and thinking carefully prior when selecting a gift is directly linked to its success. “It’s not the gift, but the thought that counts, so think about your gift carefully. In general, give something you know the person wants, maybe something that has come up in conversation or something that you have seen the person eyeing or browsing—something that the person wants but would never buy for him- or herself.”
Before deciding to gift someone with plastic surgery be sensitive to the cultural and personal issues of the intended individual. Some cultures encourage plastic surgery, and others do not.
The Art of Gifting Plastic Surgery
The American Academy of Facial & Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reports that cosmetic plastic surgery increases by 25% toward the end of the year. Many factors influence this trend: People have time off and can recover at leisure, and other people begin thinking about kicking off the New Year with a fresh, healthy appearance.
The leap in aesthetic surgery during the year’s end may also be due to gift giving. An operation is a significant financial investment, and it is something that is usually discussed and agreed to between a couple. Friends may pitch in to give a joint gift to someone who has mentioned their desire to go under the knife several times. They can feel fairly confident that their gift will be accepted in the spirit that it was intended.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends never purchasing a gift certificate for plastic surgery if you have not ever discussed plastic surgery with your intended giftee. If your giftee has been thinking about having some form of plastic surgery, then a gift certificate most likely will be much appreciated.
Plastic surgery is a highly personal decision, and many decisions to go forward with plastic surgery rest on the chemistry between a doctor and a patient. Another glitch in gifting plastic surgery may be that your intended receiver may not be a candidate for plastic surgery. Make sure the surgeon is willing to refund your money if the case.
The Society recommends that instead of investing in a high priced gift certificate surprise your loved one with a consult and the offer to pay for the procedure. Another recommendation is if your loved one or friend has regular plastic surgery treatments such as injectables, or chemical peels, they will be pleased with a gift card to their favorite provider.
Dr. Sajjadian’s Take
Dr. Ali Sajjadian is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Newport Beach, California. He is highly regarded by his peers and has earned the trust of his patients. Gift cards purchased from Dr. Sajjadian’s office will be for the dollar amount rather than for a specific procedure.
Dr. Sajjadian recommends resisting the impulse of buying a plastic surgery gift on social coupon sites. Many doctors and dentists refer to themselves as plastic surgeons but are not classically trained as such. There are approximately 6,000 plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification sets the gold standard as these doctors have completed an approved residency and fellowship not just weekend classes in liposuction. Doctors in other specialties may lack the skill required to provide the results promised.
Another consideration is that not all plastic surgeons are cosmetic or aesthetic plastic surgeons. Some plastic surgeons focus on reconstructive surgery and are excellent choices when it comes to reattaching a finger but may not be the best choice when it comes to offering breast augmentation.
A gift certificate at Dr. Sajjadian’s office provides an excellent opportunity to explore cosmetic and corrective options. We recommend the following:
Dermal Fillers: Have you have noticed deepening lines around your mouth or a lack of volume under your eyes? then this is the perfect time to try dermal fillers. Dr. Sajjadian will help you select the ideal choice to restore a youthful glow and firmness to your face.
If you have been using fillers for your face, you might want to try fillers in your hands. The hands are often overlooked when addressing aging. Filler can plump up the hands and restore firmness. You may also choose to enhance the improvement in the appearance of your hands at another time, with a chemical peel that will slough off dead skin and make headway in eliminating aging brown spots.
Laser hair removal: Enjoy a smooth start to 2018 with laser hair removal. Soft, silky skin can be yours within a few hours for large areas such as legs or arms, or just a few minutes with laser hair removal of the face. No more waxing and touch-ups your new look can last a very long time.
Long lashes have taken the world by a storm, and the trend promises to continue into 2018. Spend your gift certificate on Latisse® the proven, prescription lash lengthener from Latisse®. The beauty of this product is that it is FDA approved and the ingredients are safe but it may, darken light eyes. Just a swipe a night with the included lash brush results in long, lush cheek sweeping lashes.
We invite you to contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Sajjadian to discover why he is respected by his peers and patients alike.