By: Richard O. Gregory, MD
This phrase was used by a popular and very successful haircare company to justify spending more for their product than the competitors. Indeed, high-end concerns such as the five and even six-star luxury hotel chains depend on the quality image including service to justify the sometimes exorbitant fees. Thus, we are confronted daily with the decision as to which strata of a product or service to purchase the cheap no-frills variety or the extended luxury experience. Face treatments, breast augmentation and body contouring should not be relegated to the amateur. The real issue is how much you value your comfort, convenience, or even appearance.
In some instances, cheaper is just as good as the luxury brand as in gasoline for your car. One could also argue that a coach seat on the airliner will allow you to arrive at your destination as rapidly and safely as a first-class luxury seat. Nevertheless, in instances where your personal identity and image are at stake, there is little to justify a cheap experience. This is most commonly seen in the instance of personal skincare and appearance products and services. The question then should be, “Where can I get the best service or product consistent with my lifestyle and self-image?” We at the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery believe that “You are worth it” especially regarding facelifts, eyelid plasties, injectables, and other appearance procedures. Certainly there are segments of our society in which less is probably more. An example would be an affluent tennis player or equestrienne who is more concerned with the experience than the appearance. The other end of the experience would be the very public movie or television personality where appearance is a premium to be sought.
It is possible to achieve an acceptable balance between these somewhat conflicting concerns. Going to a reputable plastic surgeon or dermatologist whose specialty is in appearance medicine is, in the long run much more efficient and less costly than choosing the quick in and out salon or spa in your neighborhood. Who do you want doing your cosmetic procedures, a technician with perhaps a few weeks of training or on the other end of the spectrum a physician who has dedicated years of training and experience to helping you look your best?
I believe that in the short term as well as the long-term interests of your appearance and health you’re better off seeking your “appearance procedures” in a medical office dedicated to helping you maintain and even enhance your self-image. Cutting corners by opting for the cheapest experience has sometimes had some disastrous consequences. Every plastic surgeon has seen an abundance of disasters after an injudicious visit to a poorly qualified practitioner. Your beauty and self-image cannot be compromised in the interest of saving a few dollars.