How to Tell Your Friends and Family You’re Getting Plastic Surgery
Are you thinking of undergoing aesthetic plastic surgery but worried about telling your loved ones? Thankfully, any stigma surrounding plastic surgery has all but disappeared: cosmetic enhancements are now seen as a way to reclaim your identity, feel at home in your body, and find inner peace.
That said, many of us still get anxious just thinking about telling our parents, significant other, or best friend about getting plastic surgery. Whatever your reason for seeking a cosmetic enhancement, below are a few tips to help you navigate this conversation.
Prepare ahead by listing your reasons for wanting plastic surgery
Ask yourself, “Why do I want this procedure?” Write your answers down on paper or type them out. Having a thorough list of reasons why you want plastic surgery will make it easier for you to explain your decision to others.
Here are a few examples of reasons you may list:
“I want a breast augmentation because I am unhappy about the size and shape of my breasts.”
“I want a rhinoplasty because my crooked nose distracts from my other facial features.”
“I want a breast reduction because my breast size makes exercising difficult.”
Remember: you don’t have to convince anyone of why you wish to get plastic surgery. Assuming you’re healthy and 18 or older, seeking a cosmetic enhancement is a personal decision. It can be helpful to ask those closest to you for their opinion, but you don’t have to. Ultimately, the decision is yours and yours alone.
Set the stage for your conversation
Now that you’ve compiled your list of reasons why you want to have your procedure, it’s time to get ready to tell your friends and family. Sometimes when and where you tell someone something is more important than what you tell them, so instead of catching your loved ones off guard, set the stage first.
Sometimes when and where you tell someone something is more important than what you tell them; instead of catching your loved ones off guard, set the stage first.
What do we mean by “set the stage”? Think about how you would want to be told a significant piece of information: Would you want to be sitting down? Would you want to be somewhere you felt comfortable? Would you want privacy? You’re likely nodding your head “yes” to these questions because most of us don’t like to be put on the spot.
Keep in mind, you’ve already had time to research your procedure and discuss it with your surgeon, but your loved one may not be familiar with it at all. Taking the initiative to help ensure they feel comfortable and safe while discussing your procedure will show them you are empathetic to their situation and value their opinion.
Tell them about your procedure sooner than later
Though you may be tempted to postpone telling your loved ones about your decision to have plastic surgery, letting them know sooner rather than later will help them feel like they’re a part of your surgical journey. Also, if they are concerned about your decision, telling them a few months before you are scheduled for surgery will give them time to process and do their own research.
Share the research you’ve done on your procedure
Speaking of research, sharing some of the facts, stats, and details relating to your desired procedure with your friends and family is a great way to convey both its safety and its benefits. There are a few ways to do this; you may choose to share:
Articles in medical journals, like the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal
Information listed on the websites of professional plastic surgery organizations, like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Real patient reviews and Q+As with real plastic surgeons on RealSelf
Reassure them you’ll be safe in qualified hands
One of the first questions your loved one will likely have when they hear you are planning to have plastic surgery is, “Is it safe?” You can reassure them that you’ll be in safe hands by explaining your surgeon’s experience and credentials. If you have chosen Dr. Aboutanos, or another board certified plastic surgeon who operates in an accredited facility, here are a few key safety facts you can share:
Your procedure will be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon; all board certified plastic surgeons are subject to rigorous training and standards through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
Your procedure will be performed in an accredited, licensed surgical facility
Your anesthesia will be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist
Your team has confirmed you are in good health and a good candidate for the procedure (including a pre-operative COVID test)
In sum, explain to your loved ones that having your procedure performed by a board certified plastic surgeon is the best way to ensure safety and get optimal results.
Choose board certified Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Aboutanos
If you’re looking for a board certified plastic surgeon in the Richmond area who has experience in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, look no further than board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos. Dr. Aboutanos has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in Richmond, and has over a decade of plastic surgery experience. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Aboutanos online or call (804) 355-3410.