Plastic Surgery and the Entertainment Industry

In an industry where you are judged primarily on your appearance and your age, plastic surgery is almost mandatory for any age group. It is also becoming just as important in the business world. Artists and executives are more likely to be hired if they appear young, lean, and attractive. A pinch here, a pinch 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 front pages of various supermarket tabloids. Burt Reynolds and Farrah Fawcett appear to have such taut skin that their faces are actually misshapen. Joan Rivers jokes about talking through her belly button after so many facelifts. Then there is 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 showed a recent photo of Michael Jackson in court and his skin was peeling off his nose. And now there is speculation that his nose is actually a prosthesis.

While all of these particular surgeries are considered elective, many plastic surgeries are required to correct a serous defect or repair someone after an accident, or to correct a medical condition caused by prior 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 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, yeah?

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. None of these methods guarantee a qualified surgeon, and if you’re looking for a bargain, stick to what you can find at your local Wal-Mart, not your surgeon. You are risking your life if you do. There have been numerous horror stories and even deaths resulting from basement surgeons promising beautiful breasts or a youthful appearance.

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

1. Get several recommendations from verifiable and reliable sources.

2. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see if he or she is in order. Here is 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 on the list.

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 physician who is board certified must meet the following requirements:

o 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 the 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 standing in the community, as well as a moral status.

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

Ask the doctor questions! Find out what percentage of your surgical practice is dedicated to performing the type of surgery you are interested in. 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 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 the negative results to. Find out what happened and why so it doesn’t happen to you. Also find out if they continue their education to stay cool in the field.

If the doctor resents or behaves like a cop because you ask detailed questions and expect full answers from them, walk away and go 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. That is scary! Plastic surgery is a very lucrative business with billions of dollars spent annually. Everyone wants their piece of the pie. Be sure to verify all information with reliable sources.

1. Tell your doctor that you would like to talk to some of his patients who have already had similar procedures. Most of the renowned 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 your decision. Ask yourself an important question: “Who am I most comfortable with?” Then, and only then, make your 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 did not check out the doctor as I advise. Unfortunately, one year after the surgery, I was still suffering from infection, hardness, and total numbness in both breasts, not just one area. In addition, the surgery left me with a deformity on both sides that caused me both physical and aesthetic problems. As a result, I had to have more surgeries, but once again I didn’t know who to turn to or, more importantly, who to trust.

A good friend of mine had a son who unfortunately needed to have plastic surgery. She knew my situation and recommended me to her son’s doctor. He was a bit apprehensive as you can imagine.

I talked to other friends about future surgeries. I mentioned my thoughts on using this doctor. And, to my surprise, many of them had heard of it. He is apparently very famous in the entertainment industry and highly respected.

After watching it, I understood how he had earned his reputation. He and his staff were and are amazing! I have never been to a doctor who was so thorough or able to put me at ease.

Needless to say, I’m doing very well now thanks to him and the skill and care of his staff. After everything I’ve been 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, 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 what is more important, it is possible that you have neither your health nor your life. Just as you practiced your craft to become the best at what you do, choose carefully a surgeon who has put the same care and effort into your training. In this case you will get what you pay for.

Copyright 2005 Jaci Rae