They say, knowledge is power. Who are “they”? Who knows? So, I suggest you do like Mike (me) and immediately discount whatever “they” have to say. No? Okay, then I’m guessing that like most people (and more and more cosmetic and plastic surgery patients), you truly believe knowledge is power. And today, with the information superhighway running straight through most American households, you’re not alone. The dangerous part of the notion that knowledge is power, though, is that a lot of people are beginning to think they’re all powerful. Worse yet? They’re beginning to act like it. Which brings me to another thing “they” sometimes say: too much of anything can be bad for you. In this instance, I know they’re right. How? An apple a day is good for your, right? Well, try eating nothing but apples for a week, and let me know how that works out for you (actually, please don’t). Anyway…
Did you see the October 2007 issue of Allure? Joan Kron wrote a great piece entitled, “The Pickiest Patients.” It was in the section, Phenomenon. I always turn to this section expecting an article about me! Oh well, like they say, there’s always next month. Anyway, Joan talked about how the Internet and television “reality” shows such as “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan” are empowering patients to take their look (and their lives, by the way) into their own hands. It’s not called the “boob tube” because of “Dr. 90210″… I think. Doctors described these patients as “controlling,” “challenging” and often think of themselves as “experts” when it comes to various cosmetic treatments, especially injectables and fillers.
Listen, if there’s anything I’m not it’s a control freak. If there’s anything I’d like to be, it’s an expert. Each year, I read thousands of print and Web pages about cosmetic and plastic surgery. And each year, I write hundreds and hundreds of pages and posts about just that. Even so, if I were to see the Colorado plastic surgeon I’ve worked with or a Denver skin care specialist, you know what I’d do? Besides pay the bill, nothing. I’d let them tell me what should be done and how they plan on doing it. You know why? Because no matter how much I’ve researched a specific treatment or procedure (a ton) or how many I’ve actually had performed (a lot), it doesn’t even come close to the education and the experience of a licensed medical aesthetician or of that board certified Colorado plastic surgeon. Believe me, there’s a big difference between being pretty informed and being truly educated, and I’m reminded of this everyday by my incredibly intelligent co-workers.
Listen, we would all like to reduce the signs of aging, to clear up acne or to banish unwanted hair once and for all. And, we would all prefer to do so from the privacy of our own homes. But what we want isn’t always what we need. Even “they” I’m sure would agree with that. “They” are all over the place!
Knowing what you’d like to correct and knowing that there are indeed procedures and treatments that can help, is great. Now, how that procedure or treatment is performed or administered should be left in the capable hands of your doctor. Because the reality is – and I hope this isn’t a “there’s no Santa Claus” moment for you – but a lot of those Web pages you’re getting your information from… yeah, they’re outdated. And those “reality” shows you’re watching… they’re often leaving out important information about risks, side effects and contraindications (look it up).
My advice to you, as someone who writes everyday about everything from breast augmentation in Colorado to laser hair removal in Denver, use the Internet to find a couple of doctors you like and call them to schedule a consultation. Do not use the Web to figure out how you’re going to oversee your doctor. YES, a little research is great and can go a long way in helping you to decide whether or not you think you need a procedure or treatment; it can also provide you with some options. But you know what else goes a long way? Common sense. Those commercials that run in between shows like “nip/tuck” that say, “ask your doctor about…,” don’t.
Seriously people, please, please, please, when it comes to your skin (it is your body’s largest organ, by the way), don’t DIY because it’s not just about your look, it’s about your life, and I really don’t want you to DIE because of, as Joan reported in Allure, you ordered some doctor to inject some mystery filler into your face from an unmarked syringe you “obtained from a friend in Mexico.”
Courage,
Mike
