Cosmetic gift-giving?

The best thing you could do is to research the very best Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area and set up a consultation for your mom. Go with her and find out what would be the best treatments and or surgery for her. Then, assist in the fees if you choose to do so.

Finding her the best doctor and helping her get a wonderful rejuvenation would be a truly great gift.

I think your desire to give your mom the gift of looking younger is great- and shared by many sons and daughters this time of year. You'll want to be sure that she is involved in the process from the start, so that she is comfortable with the experience and feels positive about your gift, rather than risk her feeling like she was obliged to politely accept- this is as much an ethical concern as it is a matter of thoughtfulness.

I would suggest doing some research on the Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area. Give your mom a card or token describing your wish to help her achieve the more youthful look she remembers, and then make it a fun experience the two of you can share- schedule a consultation with the surgeon you chose, go with her to the consultation, help her plan for her big day, and if possible and necessary, help her during her recovery.

When all is said and done, you will both have fond memories of the gift.

Happy Holidays!

Hello,

This can be a slippery slope of sorts as you don't want her to look at the gift in a pejorative way, but if done carefully it can work well.

I have had people give chemical peels or "light" stuff that can be looked at as "maintenance" or skin care. It is like you are saying: "I just wanted to help you with that sun damage." Then she can decide if she wants to advance toward "real surgery."

Every office/practice handles the logistics differently.

Happy Holidays!

Dear tridelt92,

(I am a delt myself.)

PROMOTIONAL gift giving of plastic surgery procedures is unethical and outlawed by the national societies. But, of course, this is not what you are talking about.

Go about finding a plastic surgeon as if it were for yourself. A referral from a happy patient is great. Look for credentials, experience in cosmetic surgery, board certification.  Then take your mother and make sure she listens to the plastic surgeon. She is the patient and you will pay the fees.

Of course you should not tell your mother what she needs, but you sound much too sensible to do that.

Good luck!

If you know your mom wants some cosmetic rejuvenation, and wouldn't be offended, then it would be great to get her some treatment !  Many middle aged moms feel like they "don't deserve" cosmetic procedures, and that they are taking away resources from other family members.  This is a product of how women think of themselves sometimes.  You can show your mother how much you esteem her by helping her look better, younger, more confident.  It is much like getting a new car or  new clothes: when you look better, you feel better.  There are few things like it.

First of all, what a nice daughter you are to do something for your mother that she wouldn’t do for herself! I agree with the other physicians’ comments. It is very important to choose a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Visit websites to find expert surgeons, and choose someone with experience and knowledge in the areas you think your mother may be interested in.

The consultation process is very important. Like Dr. Williams said, it is important to visit a surgeon who will give your mom the time and attention she deserves, ESPECIALLY if she is hesitant about procedures in the first place. Since cosmetic costs vary greatly (anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a non-surgical procedure to several thousand for a more invasive surgery).

I would advise against purchasing a gift certificate without knowing the amount you’d like to spend. Accompany your mother to the consultation and determine your financial plan at that point. Thank you for your question, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Plastic surgery is being given as a gift more and more commonly.

But be sure to use care in picking a plastic surgeon for your mom.

#1 Choose a board certified plastic surgeon (certifed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery).

#2 Choose someone that can take the time to talk to your mother about concerns and interests she may have.  Nothing is more frustrating than a quick 5 minute consultation when a patient has many questions.

#3 Choose someone that has experience in procedures that your mother may be interested in.

I hope this helps!  Happy holidays.

The best way to handle this is to go for a consultation with her and see what she needs and is willing to have.   Then see what you are willing to spend on this very generous gift.