Divorcing? Don’t rush to have surgery

Q. I am getting divorced and can’t wait to take care of myself. What are your suggestions as to what I should do first and what my time frame should be? I’m ready to go!

A. My first suggestion: Slow down! It’s great that you want to take care of yourself, but if you don’t watch out you may get a little ahead of yourself. Plastic surgery is something you have to be both physically and mentally ready to do. If you are not ready in both ways, surgery often doesn’t go as well as it should.

I often see patients who come to me with an unnatural rush to have “everything” done. While it would be in my best interest to do it all, I often tell my patients to slow down. Having seen many divorced patients, I am keenly aware of some of the trials and tribulations they have gone through or will go through once the divorce is finalized. My patients often tell me they feel like they look old and tired and need a face lift. But very often a “plastic surgery time-out” is in order. This time-out is a process during which I offer treatments that temporarily provide a self-confidence boost, and give my patient some time to make a more rational decision.

The “divorce package” that I recommend to my patients includes a hydra-facial to improve skin quality, fillers to improve wrinkles and loss of volume in his or her face and a neuro-modulator (Botox or Dysport) to get rid of wrinkles and provide a chemical forehead lift. This package varies depending on age and physical findings.

By giving my patients the boost they need, they can then make a more rational decision when it comes to surgery.

If you are interested in body surgery in order to feel more attractive, it may be in order sooner than later, as there are not as many temporizing procedures. Naturally, you should pick a physician you feel comfortable with and that you feel has your best interest in mind.