What to know before "gifting" your valentine a plastic surgery procedure
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, and they will shine a lot longer than a person's youthful glow. Chocolates, roses and champagne are lovely, but so cliché. If you are in the market for a more personalized and less "traditional" Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart, maybe you should consider the gift of plastic surgery. After all, nothing says I love you like asking your honey to get their wrinkles fixed!
All joking aside, "gifting" plastic surgery to a friend, family member or loved one is turning into a more common occurrence. Yet, just like that Christmas puppy, what seemed like a good idea at the time may turn into a post-holiday nightmare when the reality of losing your favorite pair of shoes to puppy teeth sets in. Before you gift your valentine a plastic surgery procedure, consider some benefits and drawbacks.
Be thoughtful when gifting plastic surgery
Think the gift of plastic surgery is the gift that keeps on giving? It's a more popular idea than most people think if you do it right. In fact, Sara Dickie, MD, said it's a question her office gets regularly, especially on the med spa side of things.
"I recommend avoiding buying a specific procedure, like a package of CoolSculpting or something," said Dr. Dickie. "There are a few obvious reasons – don't be presumptive about what people want or need, as that could be misinterpreted!"
Jeffrey Roth, MD, FACS, has a similar mentality, noting that if the gift-giving is done correctly, usually, people receiving the gift really appreciate it.
"This is best if the folks receiving the gift are regulars at the plastic surgeon's office," said Dr. Roth. "Sometimes, the folks receiving the gift have mentioned getting something done several times. You really have to know your audience on this one."
For Anureet Bajaj, MD, this is an interesting topic that can be tricky because there are so many nuances.
"When giving a gift of an aesthetic procedure or product, you have to make sure that the recipient really wants it," said Dr. Bajaj. "You don't want them to feel hurt or offended because now they 'don't feel good enough as they are.'"
Tread carefully and make sure the person you are "shopping" for has expressed a legitimate desire to explore plastic surgery procedures or has undergone a procedure in the past and knows what they are in for. You should have a close, open and authentic relationship with this person so that any gift isn't misinterpreted as your desire to improve the other person for your benefit, not theirs.
"I think if you are gifting an aesthetic procedure, it should be to someone that you can have an honest discussion with about these issues," said Dr. Bajaj.
Remember this gift is a real medical procedure
Another consideration before offering up plastic surgery as a gift?
"Med spas and aesthetic physicians are medical, which means every client or patient needs a professional evaluation that takes into account not only their goals but their medical history, medications and mental health, which all impact the decision-making process for the client and the provider," said Dr. Dickie.
Procedures are personal and highly dependent on a person's anatomy and aesthetic desires. You may think that your partner would look refreshed and gorgeous with a few vials of Botox, but they may not be on the Valentine's Day menu.
"Patients and clients need to be fully aware of the risks and complications of any procedure, and they need to be allowed to decide not to have it," said Dr. Dickie. "If the patient or client is not a good candidate for a procedure, then the provider will not be able to provide it, and the gift certificate will go to waste. In some cases, a client could transfer the coupon to another product or procedure, but not always, so read the fine print!"
Just because you know your valentine wants the procedure doesn't mean it's right for them.
"It is important that the patient is actually a candidate for the procedure," said Dr. Roth. "There may be instances where the patient is not a good candidate. If they are going to do a procedure, they have to have enough time and support to recover afterward."
Keep one other element in mind when shopping around for a plastic surgery gift.
"Another consideration is that maybe the recipient doesn't like the same surgeon as you do," said Dr. Bajaj. "Let's say that you always come to me for your Botox, so you gift a gift of Botox to your mother. But what if your mother doesn't feel the same degree of comfort with me? You really don't want to force someone to have a procedure with someone that they aren't comfortable with."
Plastic surgeons do offer gift cards
Some people think that gift cards show you haven't put a lot of thought into gift-giving, but if you want to go the plastic surgery or procedure route for Valentine's Day, a gift card is the best option because it allows for flexibility.
"A gift card can be used for a variety of things – medical grade skincare, facial treatments, energy-based devices or actual surgery," said Dr. Roth. "This all depends on the individual plastic surgeon's office."
Dr. Dickie agrees and suggests a gift certificate which she says can be used in any number of ways starting with a consultation, then applying the balance to skincare products, a facial or massage all the way up to injectable or laser treatments, even surgery. The benefit?
"This allows the gift recipient to decide on the usage," said Dr. Dickie.
Opting for a gift card avoids some of the aforementioned issues with being a good candidate or having a good fit with the surgeon you chose.
"My preference is usually to advise people to give a gift certificate that could be used for skincare or a nonsurgical procedure or product to avoid the issue of the recipient not being an appropriate candidate or potentially not feeling comfortable with that surgeon," said Dr. Bajaj.
This is a gift, and it should be up to the discretion of the person using it and what they want the balance to go towards. Just because you purchased the gift does not entitle you to have a say in what your loved one chooses.
Plastic surgery is for them, not you
Keep in mind that you are giving plastic surgery as a gift because you think your valentine wants it, not because you want them to have a specific procedure. This is a journey for them, and you might not be part of it.
"If the giver thinks they will get to be part of the consult or treatment or decision-making process, think again," said Dr. Dickie. "Medical interactions – which include med spa treatments and cosmetic medicine – including consultation, treatment recommendations and history, are protected by patient confidentiality laws. The patient may request to have a companion with them for a consultation or treatment, but it is up to the client and the policies of the practice or spa, not the giver of the gift!"
Does the gift of plastic surgery seem vain or insensitive?
"Most of the time, it is well-received, and the folks are happy and grateful," said Dr. Roth.
However, both he and Dr. Dickie emphasized that before purchasing, they reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member for help. They are happy to guide you through the process and outline your options.
Ultimately, you want to give a gift that conveys your love for your valentine while also taking care of their health and well-being.
"Finally, it's important to remember the intent of giving something like this is to support someone's wellness," said Dr. Dickie. "Make sure to keep the attention focused on this in order to avoid giving the impression that the gift is to 'help you look younger or more beautiful,' which isn't the kindest message to convey and contrary to the intention of saying, 'I love you.'"
Remember you want your valentine to love the gift as much as they love you.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
