American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Survey
The reason I bring this up today is that the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) recently published an article titled, “To Tell of Not To Tell”, which describes the fact that people undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures today are more willing and open to talk about having them than in the past.
The AACS survey of more than 1200 people shows that 71 percent believe that society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery than it was five years ago. It also revealed that approximately 62 percent feel that society’s attitude toward cosmetic surgery makes them feel more comfortable about getting cosmetic surgery.
In general, I agree with the results of the survey; however, having specialized in hair restoration surgery now for more than 24 years, I can tell you that this field of cosmetic surgery is different from virtually all others with regard to patient openness. Yes, patients today are somewhat more comfortable in revealing their procedures to others than 10 or 12 years ago, but most still want to be extremely private about their hair restoration procedures. Most men, especially, keep their transplants private. I certainly respect this, but it is sad for me that they don’t talk about how wonderful hair transplantation is today to their relatives and friends who are suffering from hair loss. Women, on the other hand, are far more open about their transplants. They tell me that, because they know how horrible it is to have thinning hair, they want to help other women to alleviate this distress by letting them know what may be able to be done for them.
I would like to add how very fortunate I am to have an ever-growing group of patients who have been kind enough to be patient references and patient models. To these people, I thank you so much again! They do a tremendous service to the general public who are losing their hair.
In the early days of my practice, I attended a meeting at a local hospital where I noticed one of my surgery patients who worked in the cafeteria. As I walked up to him, he saw me and his face dropped to the ground. He then turned around and high tailed it to the kitchen! I was a little taken aback by this because I thought I was quite a nice guy who had excellent rapport with my patients. He called me later that night an apologized indicating that he thought I was going to say something to him about his hair in public! I never would do anything like that, I told him. I was just ordering a cup of coffee!!!
Because I am a fairly recognizable person around here and because I am involved in my community and because I love spending time at the beach, I very often see patients in public places. After that experience long ago, I now never go up to a patient in a public setting. If eye contact is established, then I’ll give a slight wave. One of two things then happens. Either a slight nod is returned and we move on or an exuberant welcome and conversation takes place. In the latter situation, he or she will actually want me to examine them right then and there! Obviously, I always respect my patients’ privacy, but I am happy to speak with anyone after they give me the signal that it’s okay to approach them.
So, if you see me on the beach or anywhere else for that matter, give me the signal or I won’t come up to you even though I recognize you! Enjoy this exceptionally wonderful summer!
Doc