As the modern world develops a strong tolerance for plastic surgery, more and more people are opting to use cosmetic procedures to look their best. Even so, some patients tend to take it too far, and some doctors are not willing to tell their patients when enough is enough. In such cases, it is up to a loved one to break the news as gently as possible.
Be Gentle but Honest
When you broach the subject, be gentle but honest with your loved one. Let your friend or family member know that you only have his or her best interests at heart. Explain the reasons why you believe your loved one has had too much cosmetic surgery in a loving manner. Point out any changes in personality or health that concern you, and offer your worries about any future work that could complicate the changes your loved one has already made to his or her appearance.
Point Out Costs
Sometimes when people see how much their lifestyle costs, it is easier to give up their habits. Help your loved one make a chart of expenses, highlighting plastic surgery costs especially. Make a point about other things the person would like to save up for, such as a vacation, vehicle or new home. Illustrate how the payments for operations could easily help pay for these other expensive items, and offer to help your friend make a savings plan for his or her future.
Use Illustrations
If you think it may help, take out some old photos of your loved one and show how beautiful he or she was before the operations occurred. Stress how attractive he or she is now, following cosmetic treatments, but also how any more work might be detrimental to the lovely look he or she has already worked hard to achieve. Point out that your loved one should enjoy the look already attained rather than continue to seek more work, costing even more time and energy.
Include Statistics
Every surgery has its risks, and every additional surgery increases those risks. Gather some information and present your data to your loved one clearly and calmly. Ask a doctor for information if you require it. Some information you may want to include are possible side effects, such as scarring, pain, twitching, or even death. Mention that cosmetic procedures can help speed up the aging process, and each additional procedure has the potential to worsen the side effect.
Ask a Reference
Find a person who regrets obtaining too many cosmetic surgeries and ask him or her to talk to your loved one about the experience. Find out if the person is willing to share personal stories, health side effects, and especially long-term results directly due to the multiple procedures. Ask the individual to share photos and other documentation if he or she is willing. Encourage your friend to ask the person many questions prior to deciding whether or not to go under the knife once again.
Above all else, make sure to be supportive for your loved one. When he or she suffers from poor body image, further criticism and judgment will only make things worse. Try to point out his or her good qualities and if professional help is needed, find out if you can help locate a counselor or doctor for your friend or family member.
