By now we’re sure you’ve seen or heard about Renee Zellweger’s plastic surgery. With all the media frenzy surrounding the oscar-winning actress’ very personal decision, it’s hard not to be familiar with the story. We’ve been reading some of the headlines surrounding Renee’s new look and there is quite a bit of negativity. In our Nashville Plastic Surgery office, we have the feeling that there is a deeper issue at heart. Renee has been quoted in People Magazine in response to the public opinion to her new look saying, “I’m glad folks think I look different! I’m living a different, happy, more fulfilling life, and I’m thrilled that perhaps it shows.” She went on to say “My friends say that I look peaceful. I am healthy. For a long time I wasn’t doing such a good job with that…I was aware of the chaos and finally chose different things..Perhaps I look different. Who doesn’t as they get older?! Ha. But I am different. I’m happy.”
TALKING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY
If Renee is happy, why can’t we be happy for her? Those of us in the field of plastic surgery are sometimes slightly removed from the stigma that still surrounds the decision to have surgery. The negative public opinion that has surfaced about her decision to make changes to her appearance that make her feel better is very upsetting to us at Music City Plastic Surgery. Many of our Nashville Plastic Surgery patients and millions of others who are considering and researching their desired cosmetic procedure are already concerned that their decision may not be met with overwhelming support. Let’s consider the timeframe over which a person considers her decision for surgery. Some of our patients weigh the options for over a decade before finally scheduling a procedure. There is also the monetary investment that comes with having surgery. Cosmetic surgery patients feel that the investment is worthwhile, as they are able to enjoy the results of their surgery for many years to come. It may sound cliche, but you really can’t put a price on confidence. Some of our patients are very timid during the consultation, and it is evident their self-confidence has been extinguished. To see that same patient walk in to the office for a post-op appointment with a new haircut, her nails done, and a brand new outfit helps us see how truly blessed we are to be in a position to help women feel better about themselves. But the courage to take the steps to gain this new confidence is fragile, and headlines that reflect negatively on the decision to have surgery can make things harder on those who are in the process of making that decision for themselves.
It sounds like Renee Zellweger has a great support system around her that made her feel safe and comfortable to have the dialogue about having plastic surgery. We have a few tips for those in the consideration phase to help talk to friends and family and, hopefully, help them to understand why you feel that surgery will make you feel more like you.
TELL THEM YOUR REASONS FOR CONSIDERING SURGERY
This should be more related to how you feel about the features you want to improve, not the features themselves. A supportive friend or loved one already thinks you’re beautiful or handsome just the way you are. So instead of saying something like, “My frown lines make me look old,” try telling them how surgery will make you feel. “I want my face to look as youthful as I feel.” The reasons you desire surgery may help them to understand the deeper motivation you have and will hopefully help them to respect your personal decision.
SHOW THEM YOU’VE DONE YOUR RESEARCH
Whether you’re undergoing elective surgery or an emergency appendectomy, there are risks involved. It’s important to ease the fears of those from whom you desire support by showing them you have researched the safety of your procedure and your surgeon’s qualifications. Verifying that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery helps to ensure both your safety and results and should help to put your friends and family at ease.
Patients in our Nashville Plastic Surgery practice receive our full guide to talking to friends and family (including children) about plastic surgery. If this is an issue you struggle with, please contact our office for a consultation and this guide. One of our highly trained staff members will help you navigate this delicate situation. The good news about not being is a celebrity is that we are not under constant scrutiny for our choices by the public; however, it is important to many patients to have support from loved ones before having surgery. Whether you love or hate Renee Zellweger’s new look, you have to respect the fact that she has made a decision that makes her feel more like a healthier, happier version of herself.
