Putting plastic surgery under the tree?
Socks, sweaters, fruit cake – sometimes it gets hard finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list this time of the year that won't end up at the bottom of someone's closet, be regifted or forgotten until the following holiday. The best gifts are often given from the heart and offer a sense of meaning, utility or purpose. However, when you think someone you love really wants plastic surgery, is gifting a procedure an appropriate or thoughtful gift? What about if you want to receive plastic surgery as a gift? Is there a tactful way to request a procedure, and what can you expect to find waiting for you under the tree?
Giving and receiving plastic surgery as a holiday gift can be tricky. You want to avoid the landmines of hurt feelings, disappointment and a gift that sends the wrong message. Fortunately, there are ways to give and receive plastic surgery tastefully, so everyone comes out happy and with precisely what they've been hoping for, making the holiday season merry and bright.
The art of giving
Everyone is reminded that it is always better to give than to receive as the holiday season quickly approaches. Yet, giving comes with its own set of pressures and stress. Picking the perfect gift and staying on budget are top concerns, especially for those hard-to-shop-for individuals on your list. If someone you care about has been dropping hints that they don't need more clutter in their lives or they want something "just for them," the gift of plastic surgery may be right up their alley.
The problem with gifting someone plastic surgery is the "message" that it can send. Will this person be upset? Will they take offense and think you are trying to say they aren't good enough? The art of giving starts with knowing your audience. First, consider your relationship with this person. Are they open to or wanting to invest in plastic surgery? Plastic surgery is not a gift for a casual acquaintance. Often, this is a gift for people with close ties or in an intimate relationship. Communication is key. Have they expressed an interest in a specific procedure before? Are they dropping hints that lead you to believe they are receptive to this type of gift?
Carefully evaluate your relationship and the response you want to elicit from giving this type of gift over the holidays before you spend the money. You want this to be their choice, not yours. You also want to avoid negative commentary about appearance and frame the gift as a confidence boost or a self-care gift.
Next, it is time to pick the recipient's perfect procedure. Better yet, it is time to let them decide for themselves.
How to give plastic surgery
A gift card for the holidays get a bad "wrap." Many people consider gift cards something that doesn't require a lot of thought. When you can pick up a pack of three at the local gas station on the way home from work, it is easy to see how gift cards have become the gift that's a last-minute stocking stuffer, rather than something that requires much time or effort. However, in the case of putting plastic surgery under the tree, gift cards are one of the best options available.
"Gift cards or the gift of a consultation are the easiest way, so the recipient can explore any aesthetic option they like," said Kristy Hamilton, MD.
Yes! Many plastic surgery offices offer gift cards or gift certificates for noninvasive and other plastic surgery procedures. Offices also tend to charge patients an initial consultation fee. These fees, depending on the office, can be applied to the cost of the procedure. Offering a gift card or covering the consultation fee is a thoughtful way to gift plastic surgery, allowing the recipient the flexibility to choose what they want to focus on.
"The gift can be as simple – and innocuous – as the gift of clinical-grade skincare, laser treatments or injectables, or put towards a more significant investment, such as a surgery," said Dr. Hamilton. "That way, the patient can decide which element of 'beauty' they are interested in while having a luxury experience. What a wonderful gift!"
Medical-grade skincare is also at the top of list Katerina Gallus, MD, FACS, especially for people you may care about but aren't as close with.
"I would say gifting a skin treatment or procedure is a great idea for someone you don't have a close personal relationship – i.e., not family," said Dr. Gallus. "Medical-grade skincare is a great gift choice. Many popular skin care brands offer gifts with purchase or holiday kits this time of year, think an eye cream with a mask or a basic cleansing and exfoliating set if you aren't sure of their skin needs."
She is also a fan of the gift card option because it allows the recipient to customize their experience, enabling them to use it for exactly what they want.
"If you plan to gift a procedure, it is best if the gift recipient has mentioned the intended procedure before, lest you offend them," said Dr. Gallus. "This can be alleviated again with a gift card rather than gifting a specific procedure, but most offices offer options for potential patients, from Botox and microneedling to other procedures."
How to ask for plastic surgery
If you want the gift of a fresher complexion, tighter core or fuller lips, you may feel a little anxious or embarrassed about telling Santa you want plastic surgery for the holidays.
"If you would like to be gifted, the direct approach is best," said Dr. Gallus. "Speaking from experience, if you aren't clear on what you want, then you can't be disappointed when you don't get it."
And isn't that the truth! You can't get what you want if you don't tell the people close to you what you want. The direct approach is always the best because you don't want someone to guess or make assumptions. You may want a laser treatment to refresh your skin and achieve a holiday glow, while someone else thinks you look tired and suggests Botox. These are the types of miscommunications that can lead to hurt feelings and resentment. Be clear and upfront about your wants, if you really want plastic surgery.
Wrap it all up with a bow
For those giving or wanting to receive plastic surgery, do your homework. You want to choose an ASPS Member Surgeon who specializes in the type of procedure or treatment you or the recipient of the gift is interested in. A coupon to a back-alley "clinic" isn't on anyone's wish list.
Everyone thinks the holidays are about the element of surprise. The exception to that rule is plastic surgery. It should never be a surprise gift. Effective communication between the gift giver and the recipient is crucial in preventing emotional and potentially physical complications. Be honest and open.
Want to retain a little of that surprise or luxury? Dress up your gift with fancy or unusual packaging or consider gifting it at a different time. Surprise them over breakfast, after festivities have ended or during an intimate and quiet moment that only the two of you share, so it isn't out there for everyone to see on Christmas morning or in the middle of a family celebration.
If you or someone close to you is considering plastic surgery for the holidays, another thoughtful idea is to support that individual with a postop recovery gift basket. Include cozy socks, a plush blanket, healthy snacks, books or reading material to help pass the time or other small indulgences that can make recovery more comfortable.
You can give and ask for plastic surgery tastefully. It just takes communication, thought and a little of that holiday magic.
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.
