When VisibleWomanOnline decided to do an issue on Beauty it seemed appropriate to delve into the world of plastic surgery. I wanted to get the inside scoop on the myriad of procedures and just what motivates women to take what I perceived as a giant step into the unknown.I was familiar with Dr. Sheila Bond's reputation as one of the most well regarded plastic surgeons in the tri-state area, so I was elated when she agreed to meet with me. Dr. Bond's specialty in comprehensive aesthetic, plastic, cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic enhancements for face and body, has been recognized by women of many nationalities and social spectrum.A graduate of Dartmouth College with completed residencies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in New York, Dr. Bond has been a plastic surgeon for 14 years, and has been featured on national radio programs.I also had the opportunity to meet with Judyann Affronti, Patient Coordinator, and former IT professional, who offered some rather interesting analogies about plastic surgery and a surprising observation about the majority of women who are investing in it. After the interview I must admit yours truly was even interested in a consultation.
Ivy Pittman
IP: Why did you choose to become a plastic surgeon?
SB: I wanted to be able to perform different types of surgeries, and plastic surgery offered many options to actually see the results of my work. I get to literally see my finished work.
IP: Almost like a painting. (laugh) What are the most sought after elective surgeries?
SB: Tummy tuck medically known as abdominoplasty and breast augmentation. Women who have had babies want to get rid of the tummy fat which may be due to significant weight fluctuations and heredity. These factors can also affect women young and old as it relates to their breasts. If their breasts sag or their balance is poor due to overly large breasts then they will consider breast augmentation or a breast lift.
IP: What is the percentage of elective surgery among women of color?
SB: I've seen an increase from 10 to 50 percent in terms of women of color over the last 14 years.
IP: Why do you think that is?
SB: Well it could be because there is not so much of a stigma about plastic surgery now as may have been the case twenty years ago.
JA: In my experience, African-American women are much more likely to spend disposable income to look better.
SB: No I can't say I have. My patients are happy because they are realistic women. They don't come to me for a consultation asking for unrealistic changes. My clients know that at 50 they will not look like did at 25. In some cases it is possible to restore certain features depending upon ones age and what it is they are not pleased with. For example lines across the forehead could be corrected with a Brow Lift. Parentheses around the mouth or naso-labial lines and crows feet along with bags under the eyes can be filled using derma filler like Restylane. Typically these procedures are temporary three months or so, depending upon the individual. Maintenance is important.
IP: Yes, maintenance. It's usually the maintenance of beauty that can put us in the poor house. (laughs) What about the risk factors? To what extent does an individual's health come into play?
SB: Smoking makes all surgeries have a greater risk of complications because people who smoke do not heal properly. People who have diabetes that is not under good control are at a greater risk of infection. People who have high blood pressure who are not well controlled may bleed after surgery. Of course taking aspirin, Motrin, large doses of Vitamin E and other substances (we get our patients a list) may cause people to bleed more at surgery also. We discuss these factors with our patients, get medical clearance if needed and make adjustments before, during and after surgery to reduce these potential complications.
IP: So how would you define beauty?
SB: Beauty is still defined by the media. It dictates perfection. But there is no right or wrong image. Plastic surgery is not about vanity. It's all about you and how you feel about your looks.
JA: We still measure everything by how something looks. It may not speak to what is on the inside but for the most part we are all visual beings. As women we get our hair and nails done, buy make-up and buy clothing to look good. Plastic surgery is just a more costly step up from wanting to look good. Contrary to what has been said, plastic surgery is not addictive. It's like decorating a room in your house. If you decorate one room don't you want to move on to other rooms until the entire house is restored?
IP: Absolutely! That is so true and a great analogy. Final thoughts?
JA: Plastic surgery is not addictive. It is merely restoring what nature once gave you.
IP: On behalf of VisibleWomanOnline, thank you so much!
FAST FACTS ABOUT PLASTIC SURGERY
In Brazil buttock lifts are as normal and expected as a hot day.
Since 1996 plastic surgery amongst women of color has increased from 10 to 50 percent.
96% of tummy tucks are performed on women (and so there must be 4% of men getting tummy tucks).
56% of tummy tucks were performed on people over 40.
As of 2008 117,000 women who have had abdominoplasty.
There has been an increase of over 300% in tummy tuck procedures from 1992-2008.
There is a 2% risk of infection post surgery
