Plastic Surgery and Black Folk............

Actually Lee - I have to applaud you cause facial plastics is not something I have ever thought about nor would I attempt.  BUT - I have Bell's Palsy and permanent nerve damage - so i am a bit biased.

But hell - if you got it and want it fixed, I say DO IT!!!! 

I am completely obsessed with PS.  I won't lie.  The list of things I'd love to have done if I had the money and was close to goal is extensive.  I'm not sure why our community has such an issue with plastics. The reaction I got from family members after having a breast reduction ran the gamut, but the consensus is that I should have left the girls alone.  The fact that in my letter to my insurance company my pre op breast were listed as a DEFORMITY.  The fact that I was in constant pain doesn't seem to be a concern for any of them.  But when it is all said and done I've got to live this life for me an to hell with whoever doesn't stand behind me..

Other mofos KILL me with all the **** they tell you that YOU don't need..... 

I'm with you **** em if they can't get on board - the ride goes faster without DEAD WEIGHT anyway!!!! 

I know I'm a little late to jump in to this one but you guys started me to thinking. I always thought I couldn't afford plastic surgery after I reach my goal (I'm still a preop). I know I will want a tummy tuck and my arms done but assumed it was out of reach financially.

Well, we plan to save for a bass boat for my husband. I bet I could have both surgeries for the same cost. You all have started something!

See - that's what I am talking about right there - you will plan for a BOAT before you plan for your BODY..............

glad to get you thinking!!!! 

You know my skin is not that bad but I would like a tummy tuck and some body contouring with my thighs and butt. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit because my thighs are a little saggy. I would also like a breast lift. I'm just scared of another surgery. When I had wls that was my 10th surgery in my life. I've had lots of illnesses so plastic surgery scares me. I try to tell myself that I'm 42 and it doesn't matter if I look good or not anyway but it really does. I'm glad that you're discussing this.

I am claiming my reconstructive surgery after lossing the two hundred plus pound of weight I need to loss.  I have lost quite a bit of weight in my five plus months and I know for a fact it is something I need and want.  I am still in my twenties, workout almost everyday, developed new healthy eating habits and I still have a saggy belly and boobs.  They are going to be fixed bottom line.  I could care less what anyone else says or thinks about it.  I hope the insurance helps but if not personal loan here I come. I am praying now for surgery grace.

Girl I have learned to keep my mouth closed about anything that I am doing or want to do when it comes to my body and my life.  Just mentioning weight loss, eating better, exercise, plastic surgery or any life altering thing makes people think they have the green light to jump in my business.  I would not do that if I were you . . . .why would you do something like that . . .you must be crazy . . . . .it's never ending!

I'm not intrested in the opinions of other when I decided to make changes, so I have learned to do what I need to do for me and keep moving.  I guess that's how it is when you get older -- LOL!  You just do what you need to do for yourself and let people keep wondering. 

My only stigma or issue is with people trying to tell me what I should and should not do!

Hi MM,

Most have already pretty much covered the issue in this thread but for me to answer this question...I basically asked myself what would it take for more black folks to get or even consider plastic surgery.  I think it simply comes down to education and  perceived value.  Most of US don't know enough about it...because it is not a hot topic of discussion for US...like it is for other cultures.  Unless you are in the higher income brackets and bumping elbows with others folks who tend to view plastic surgery as a norm or among the WLS population who have definite and indisputable needs for PS, its viewed more as a luxury item.  We tend to be focused on the here and now and more basic needs or things we can visualize broken down into a monthly payment.  I know I prolonged having dental work completed for the longest because it simply did not seem within my reach. It wasn't until I realized that I could get it financed that I even considered it as an option.   Similarly, it very hard for most to look at a 10-20K figures and even give it a second  thought unless we can break it down in terms of dollars and cents.

It reminds me of the insurance agents who close sales by equating the cost of a policy to so many sodas a day.  It seems much more doable...when folks realize that they don't need to make a large sacrifice.  As you stated, folks spend money on frivolous things...why not on something that will make us feel better about ourselves.  I guarantee you if the plastic surgeons were to come out with a stronger marketing strategy...targeting African Americans....to educate about the benefits and financing options....and top it off by showing national ads of "us" before and after...WE would have a significant increase in our numbers. Who wouldn't want to get rid of their fat ass belly if given a reasonable opportunity and it seemed doable. 

Only problem...we know that the Plastic Surgeons and their association are not going to market extensively to our community...because they tend to be under the impression that the majority of US have jacked up credit for some reason! LOL!  

ETA: I agree that we need to talk about it more over here. I know I had questions but was referred to the PS board. While I did get some good feedback over there, I would love to talk about and have more resources particualrly as it applies to black people's skin AND surgeons who cater to us. I know  I personally would go out of network for the right surgeon. I am definitely going to need plastics. I would like TT, BL & Under arms.  Skin is definitely an issue for me as well.  The funny thing is for the longest I thought it was just me...until I started looking at the PS before and after pics.      
     

 You are absolutely right, we don't discuss this matter as much as we talk about fashion, sex, and food. It is taboo in our culture but I will do me and forget the rest.
As I watch my 403 drindle to nothing, I realize that I will watch my money until death. I will have the sagging stomach reconstructed with my funds.
I am working on losing 30 pounds and it will happen at the beginning of the year.