Liposuction News
The New Age of Holiday Gift Giving
Liposuction for Christmas? That's what Tina Baldwin of New Jersey chose when her husband offered her the choice of any cosmetic procedure she wanted as her holiday gift.
The fact is that in the year 2006, giving cosmetic surgery as a holiday gift represents a growing trend. Perhaps it's because plastic surgery is more financially affordable and widely accepted. Or maybe it's because plastic surgery centers across the country have started advertising holiday specials on procedures ranging from Botox to rhinoplasty.
Whatever the case, experts in the medical community have mixed feelings about giving and receiving cosmetic surgery as a gift. They all agree, however, that proceeding with caution is key.
Careful Not to Offend
“It's not perfume, a piece of jewelry or a spa treatment. Giving cosmetic surgery as a gift trivializes a serious medical procedure,” said David Sarwer, associate professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Not only is it crucial to avoid downplaying the medical significance of such a gift, it is also important not to offend the recipient.
“The giver may have good intentions, but it could place undo pressure on the person on the receiving end,” said Sarwer.
One plastic surgeon said it's not uncommon for men to present their wives with breast implants as a holiday gift. While some women would welcome the gift of breast enhancement, others may be insulted.
“It's like telling someone they have bad breath,” said Dr. Zachary Gerut.
Cosmetic Gift Requests
The exception, of course, is when the recipient has requested a specific cosmetic procedure.
“As long as the giver is not attempting to impose the cosmetic procedure he wants on the individual receiving, there is little downside,” said David Watts, a New Jersey plastic surgeon.
Such instances, according to Watts, provide “the giver with the opportunity to say, ‘I hope I have helped to make you feel better about yourself.'”
Considering giving liposuction as a gift this holiday season? Please contact us today to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you.
