Aesthetic surgery is becoming increasingly accessible and there are more and more enthusiasts, women of course but also men.
Medical, scientific, and technological advances in the field, as well as the “French Touch” have made it possible to undergo aesthetic surgery almost without it being visible. This thus raises the question of talking about it or not to your friends and family who will just have to live with it. Do you have to talk about your desire to undergo surgery? Should you say something before, after? If so, who should you tell and how? What about your children, your companion?
It is a tricky and altogether quite personal question that we will try to answer here.
I’m thinking about undergoing an aesthetic procedure: should I tell my family beforehand?
It is not an easy question. Depending on the person in your family, aesthetic surgery may be a divisive subject: we are meddling with self-image, appearance, sometimes family history. Anything is possible so if you choose to talk about it, reactions will vary. Some do not like change and will judge this decision, others are more inclined to criticize or be jealous, and others are very open and encouraging.
Aesthetic surgery – which will result in a permanent change in appearance – must never be taken lightly. So, before talking about it, take the time to think about the question yourself. Get the facts, make an appointment with several surgeons to build your own opinion, and above all get advice from a professional. In fact, the only people you can and should talk to frankly and openly beforehand are indeed aesthetic surgeons.
Remember, you are undergoing this procedure first and foremost for YOU: this decision must come from you and you alone.
Aesthetic surgery is personal but…
Once you have a clear, coherent idea about your project following the various consultations with your chosen surgeon, another aspect of the operation needs to be considered.
Depending on the nature of the procedure – post-op recovery or the consequences of a face lift or rhinoplasty are not the same as for liposuction or breast reduction – your close family and friends may also have to adapt to this new appearance. Some procedures are more visible than others, even if the result is always to beautify and not transform to ensure a natural result in harmony.
The question of the companion is central when you live with a partner and share the intimacy and life of the same man or woman: dialogue and mutual understanding are key. What could be worse than a companion that does not accept our decision leaving us prey to a terrible dilemma?
The case of children can be even more sensitive but if the procedure is scheduled and the result cannot be concealed you should talk to them in a way that is adapted to their age.
What can you say to your child about your aesthetic surgery?
The idea is to adapt to their age but also their personality, a good dose of psychology is welcome too. A child is quite capable of understanding if we explain things in a suitable way, as children can “feel” changes and not hiding them can help avoid unnecessary anxiety.
It is not necessary to go into detail if they are very young, even less so if recovery after the operation is simple and not visible: you can merely provide general information and explain that a doctor is going to perform a procedure for a specific purpose depending on the nature of the operation. If in doubt, ask your surgeon, they will be able to advise you.
If your child is a little older, it is possible to explain your motivations in more detail but you should also reassure them regarding the operation itself: tell them that it is a routine procedure carried out by a serious and experienced doctor you trust.
The child must understand that it is important for you and your well-being, and that it will help you feel better.
And after the operation, should I talk about it?
Given the advances in the field and the approach systematically focused on natural and subtle, most aesthetic surgical or medical procedures do not alter the charm or expressions and only bring out your natural beauty. After a lift, people will readily say “you look rested, you have a healthy glow”, rather than “you’ve had a face lift”.
The decision to talk about it is entirely up to you. The most import thing to know is that you do not have to. You want to keep this gift you have offered yourself to yourself? You don’t want to talk to your friends about it, even with the partner you share your life with? The main thing is to do what you feel is the most sensible. Some remain discreet for various reasons, others not so much, and others assert it. Ultimately, it is your body and you do not have to justify anything.
If you feel in harmony with yourself and your choices – and it is partly the job of the surgeon to ensure this – each attitude is legitimate.