By: Thomas Buonassisi, MD

Recently The New York Times ran an article about an art exhibit showcasing the work of cosmetic surgeons. As a facial plastic surgeon who performs British Columbia blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and other facial procedures highlighted in the exhibit, I have dedicated years of training to understand cosmetic surgery as an art, as well as a science.

Cosmetic surgery requires deep familiarity with highly involved aspects of anatomy, and it deals with some technical concepts of balance and proportion. But at the same time, great results require a personal, aesthetic perspective and the sensitivity to understand and create changes that mesh with the patient’s own vision.

Unlike other traditional artists, though, cosmetic surgeons have a few extra challenges that their work needs to take into account to succeed with the audience that matters – the patient:

• Cosmetic surgery is a collaborative art: An excellent surgeon will take an active role in helping a patient create reasonable and positive expectations, but at the same time focus on the patient’s own hopes and goals. This process requires passion and personal commitment on the part of the surgeon, but also active involvement by the patient.
• Cosmetic surgery changes over time: Cosmetic surgery procedures like British Columbia blepharoplasty can help turn back the clock 10 or 20 years, but an excellent facial plastic surgeon will aim to create results that not only look great in the months directly after surgery, but will also “age gracefully” over the years.

What you can do to find a surgeon who values the art (along with the science) of surgery:

• Research your options and your surgeon’s credentials: There is no substitute for accuracy in science or art, and board certification in a related specialty and fellowship training are the first and most important indicators of your surgeon’s skill.
• Ask about your surgeon’s philosophy of care. Most British Columbia blepharoplasty surgeons are more than willing to explain their surgical approach and how they will adjust your surgical plan to retain the characteristics that give your face its individuality.
• Consider whether you see “eye to eye” with your surgeon, or whether you seem to be having trouble making your goals line up. Some patients have unrealistic expectations that they will need to adjust if they are going to be happy with their results, but in some cases it may take time and effort to find a surgeon who genuinely cares about your goals.