Although plastic surgery in general is slowly edging into the mainstream, some people still feel hesitant about talking about the topic or sharing their own experiences. And that’s okay—there’s no correct way to discuss your own aesthetic procedure. If you’re planning your own facelift here in Tucson, we want to help you feel confident about disclosing your surgery to the people closest to you—however and whenever you decide to go about it.
The Stigma
We’re not afraid to acknowledge that, among certain people, there remains a bit of a stigma about plastic surgery. So where did that stigma come from, and is it here to stay? In the past, people were often ashamed of their beauty routines. For example, think about the way your mother or even grandmother talked about these things. Old-fashioned etiquette dictated that women go to the restroom to reapply lipstick or never discuss aging, especially in mixed company. It could be considered narcissistic or self-absorbed. While those standards are disappearing, they’ve not yet fully disappeared
Plastic surgery also simply wasn’t as common “back then” as it is today, and there are a lot of reasons why. Unsophisticated techniques often left patients with unnatural-looking results and excessive scarring. Today’s procedures are much more refined, and with shorter recuperation times, they’re also less of a commitment.
Finally, celebrities should get some credit for being “change makers” when it comes to reducing the plastic surgery stigma. By now there have been countless stars of all stripes who have “come out” about their aesthetic enhancements. Thanks to their willingness to talk openly, it’s easier for regular people to broach the topic, too.
The Talk
Of course, whom you tell about your own procedure is completely up to you. While your immediate family will obviously be privy to your procedure, making the decision to tell extended family, friends, and colleagues is personal. If you do decide to disclose, you don’t have to worry about concealing swelling, bruising, or stitches. You can also comfortably ask these very same people for help while you recuperate. Perhaps most surprisingly, you may even inadvertently open the lines of communication between you and other loved ones who might have been secretly considering surgery for themselves.
In order to keep the conversation moving in a positive direction, keep the focus on how your life has improved after your surgery. It’s also a good idea to manage your expectations when it comes to people’s reactions.
Keeping the Secret
Not every person you encounter needs to know about your facelift. It’s perfectly reasonable to conceal your surgery from acquaintances or people you otherwise don’t interact with regularly. If you opt to duck the question, consider the old standby explanations for your new look: A great haircut, a new makeup routine, or a better wardrobe.
Ultimately, it’s up to you how many people you want to tell. Reach out to your surgeon for other tips and guidance. If you’re curious, take a look at my gallery of before-and-after photos to see how natural today’s facelift can look.
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