Thinking of Giving Each Other The Gift of Plastic Surgery This Holiday Season?

NEW YORK, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- More and more couples are considering plastic surgery as the ultimate gift. However, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) advises that it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of any aesthetic procedure, as well as choosing the surgeon, and setting that are right for you.

There are benefits to coming in for a consultation with a loved one, but decisions about individual surgeries should only be made by the person who is going to undergo the procedure. Additionally, couples who are both undergoing procedures should time their surgeries so that the other person can be available to care for their partner when they have surgery.

"Couples that come in together for a consultation can learn about all of the factors involved in elective surgery and can learn how to care for each other during recovery. However, we need to remind people that aesthetic surgery should never be given as a 'surprise gift,'" said Julius Few, MD, Chair of the Public Education Committee for the Aesthetic Society. "Those who are thinking of buying each other aesthetic procedures for the holidays or any occasion should be aware that these procedures require careful consideration by each patient who is going to receive the surgery. This can be a wonderful gift to give each other, but it requires the input and careful consideration of both patients."

For anyone considering aesthetic surgery, The Aesthetic Society offers other important advice:

-- The idea for plastic surgery should come from the person who intends to have it, not from a spouse, relative or friend. -- Plastic surgery takes planning. If you expect to give or receive a "gift" of plastic surgery, make sure that everyone involved does their homework well ahead of time. A self-motivated, well-informed patient is more likely to be a satisfied patient. -- Patients should discuss risks, benefits, expectations, and desires with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Surgery should be performed at an accredited surgical facility. All members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have significant documented experience in cosmetic surgery, and operate only in accredited surgical facilities. You can find a qualified surgeon at http://www.surgery.org/. -- Not all patients are good candidates for all procedures. Patients need to be evaluated by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for a particular procedure.

For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery or to find a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon, visit the ASAPS website at http://www.surgery.org/, or call ASAPS at 1-888-ASAPS-11 (272-7711).

About the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

The 2300-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the only plastic surgery organization devoted entirely to the advancement of cosmetic surgery. ASAPS is recognized throughout the world as the authoritative source for cosmetic surgery education. U.S. members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian members are certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Toll-free referral line: 888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711). Web site: http://www.surgery.org/.