Dr. Donn Chatham Shares his Views
Many folks believe aesthetic surgery procedures are unnecessary due to the high costs and associated potential for surgical risks. So why spend money on elective, risky, and even temporary so-called, “vanity” procedures?
“As a facial plastic surgeon who has a long career in performing both reconstructive and aesthetic surgical procedures, this question is one that I have given considerable thought,” says Dr. Donn R. Chatham. “It’s a complex question with many preconceived views held by individuals undergoing cosmetic surgery and by society on the meaning and value of beauty.”
Most of the views revolve around a fundamental question of who benefits. “Since an aesthetic procedure, can only benefit one person—the patient—individuals may struggle with ‘value-laden’ questions,” continues Dr. Chatham.
Some familiar “value-laden” questions that we as a society wrestle with include:
- Would it not be a better use of the money to benefit a higher cause than one’s personal beauty?
- When the beauty industry prioritizes profit over genuine patient well-being, doesn’t this neglect broader societal values?
- When spent on ‘aging’ surgeries, doesn’t the aging process inevitably win as the youthful results always fade away?
- Does our preoccupation with beauty coldly reduce people to the sum of their appearances?
- Have you ever wondered how many hungry folks could benefit from any number of charities including local food banks?
While some cosmetic patients may feel pressured by preconceived views on beauty and societal norms to change or improve their appearance, others may desire to look more attractive or younger to advance their career or find a mate, is this a good reason? Should pressure from society even be a valid concern? Aren’t patients who do this just victims of beauty culture rhetoric?
While these questions are valid, the individual who decides to undergo an aesthetic surgical enhancement to their face or body best answers them. What price or “value” does the person believe their procedure is worth? “In my experience,” says Dr. Chatham, “patients have a variety of valid personal reasons for achieving their cosmetic enhancement goal that has great value to them.”
Dr. Chatham explains that during his consultations, he not only discusses the specific aesthetic surgery a patient is interested in but also explores the reason behind their desire for cosmetic enhancement. If a patient’s says, “If I looked better, I would feel better,” does this qualify as an indication for aesthetic surgery? Probably, yes.
“The reality of behavior is that we humans have long been seeking and finding countless ways of altering the appearance of the body in order to feel more attractive,” says Dr. Chatham.
Looking back through history, we have countless examples of early Egyptians using milk baths to soften their skin. In 600 BC, surgeons in India were developing nasal reconstruction procedures. From the makeup pigments used by the women of ancient Rome, to the powdered wigs worn by Europeans during the Renaissance period, to the practice of foot binding in historical Chinese culture—all were beauty focused.
World wars ushered in dramatic reconstructive surgeries, which later would be adapted to cosmetic uses. Humankind has an innate desire to protect, enhance, and improve themselves, whether through changing hair styles, using skin bronzers or body fragrances, applying lipstick, or engaging in various other illusory cosmetic practices and physical modifications. This is not going away. This is reality.
Dr. Chatham feels with today’s aesthetic surgery procedures, they add value. “If a patient is undergoing surgery for the ‘right reasons’ following an in-depth consultation with a well-trained surgeon, possessing a real understanding of the procedure and its risks and limitations, and possessing realistic expectations as to the results, then the procedure has the potential to become a life enriching if not totally life-altering experience.”
To circle back to the original question, are aesthetic surgical procedures worth the cost? From Dr. Chatham’s first-hand experience of his patient’s satisfaction and value, he gives an emphatic, “YES!”
One’s improved self-esteem and happiness can go a long way in enabling that patient to go forth and make the world a better place for their being in it.
