“All I want for Christmas is a nip here and a tuck there…” If you’re thinking of gifting a cosmetic procedure for friends and family, the ACCS advices you to rethink.
We’re in the beauty industry so it makes sense that we want to share the good looks around. But if you’re thinking of wrapping up a clinic or cosmetic surgeon’s business card and placing it under the tree for a family member or friend this Christmas, The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery advices you to think again. Why? Because the act of wrapping something up and presenting adds pressure.
“Christmas is a time for giving, but cosmetic surgery should not be under the yuletide tree,” says ACCS President Dr Ron Bezic. “Many people are considering having a cosmetic procedure in the lead-up to the holiday season. But the decision to have a procedure is a very personal one and should be made without pressure from friends or loved ones. A gift can create pressure.”
Unlike in Europe where Christmas revellers can pile on the wool and tuck into a hot dinner without the worry of hitting the beach the next day, Christmas in Australia is filled with body consciousness.
“It is normal that people are more conscious of creases, sags and bulges [during Christmas] and some may be looking for a quick fix or shortcut to what they perceive as an ‘ideal’ body,” says Dr Bezic. “But it is important to do your homework before going ahead.”
Having something wrapped up and presented, by definition, takes away any decision-making, which isn’t a good thing when it comes to cosmetic procedures, says Dr Bezic. Before undergoing any procedure, a client should ask to see a “CV and the experience [the practitioner has] in the procedure you are considering. He or she should not hesitate to tell you,” says Dr Bezic.
So are people really booking in for procedures over the holiday break? ACCS Fellow and Censor in Chief, Dr John Flynn says yes, and no.
“Few people are planning a big surgical procedure at this time of year because of busy family and social activities,” says Dr John Flynn. “But some do take the opportunity of the holiday break to get away and have a surgical procedure and recover in time to go back to work in the New Year refreshed.”
One consideration is whether your doctor intends to be in his surgery, or hitting the beach with his kids. Sending your mum off for a nose job (or even a laser peel) with no post-op care isn’t a great idea.
“If you are considering a surgical procedure, make sure your surgeon is going to be around for post-op care,” says Dr Flynn. “Is the surgeon going on holidays too, who will look after you? This applies to non-surgical procedures too.”
But ok, so you want to spread the joys of filler this festive season. Well ok, but just be sure to tell your sister that there will be a bit of downtime.
“More popular this close to the holidays are non-invasive procedures such as fillers and anti-wrinkle injections,” says Dr Flynn. “With filler or anti-wrinkle injections, it is important to keep in mind that bruising is a common issue, so don’t get too much done too close to a special event as you will need to leave time for swelling and bruising to go down.”
Ok, warning over. Now go and enjoy your holidays!
Have your say: Do you think gifting cosmetic procedures is a good idea? What are your gift wishes for Christmas?