Those who are long time patients who read this may know me. They may have sat across from me while I gave them their surgical quote or signed them up for Brilliant Distinctions. Perhaps we talked on the phone or at length about the procedure of interest. Invariably or in most cases, I would get asked the same question, "Is he good?" I took pride in my answer, because I too was a patient before becoming an Augusta Plastic Surgery employee and could answer with a resounding "Yes!" And I was not embarrassed to share my experience, because I knew what it was like to consider cosmetic surgery.
When I look back at my surgery, my goal was to feel like me again. After nursing two children, things were just no longer the same. A family member referred me to Dr. Ewart. Everyone there made me feel comfortable, but I struggled with spending that much money on myself, the risk of anesthesia, and my own religious beliefs (my body is a temple... a droopier temple than what I wanted). Nervous was an understatement. Knowing what I know now and how pleased I am with the outcome, I never would have hesitated.
Throughout my time at APS there was a common theme amongst our patients for their reasons why they were there even with the most modest of patients, they all wanted to feel better about themselves. The desire did not discriminate from male or female, young or old. I've seen a young high school aged guy go from shy and embarrassed to walking tall. After one patient received a Juvederm injection, the patient was staring into the mirror crying. She looked at me and told me in amazement she no longer looked sad.
Although the perception of cosmetic or plastic surgery may be related to crude jokes about overworked celebrities, the reality is it is extraordinarily common, especially with injectables like Botox and fillers. Patients ranged from young to mature, male and female, married couples, and the like all trying to erase the "11s", "their forehead buttcrack," "crows feet," bunny lines, laugh lines, etc. Coming for an injection is easier and quicker than a cut and color from a top salon and certainly lasts longer.
After I left the practice to be a stay at home mom, I committed to a personal goal of becoming fit. This was not just a go to the gym goal. It was a lose weight, gain muscle, and while I was doing it go ahead and compete in a fitness competition. I know it was a crazy commitment, but I wanted to see how far I could push myself.
About 7 months later and 30 pounds lighter, I went to visit Augusta Plastic for a little bit of competitive edge. The weight loss had my face looking gaunt and tired and I knew a bit of Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma could freshen up my face right before competition. Amazing how a few needle pricks can help one's perspective. I felt and looked so much better. My cheeks were full and healthy, the forehead lines were smoothed, and there were fewer lines around my mouth.
Happy is an understatement.