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Haute Beauty Experts give their #1 piece of advice to people considering any treatment and/or procedure to improve their self-image. Here’s what they had to say:

Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz | Eyelid Surgery Expert & Face Expert | Miami/Fort Lauderdale

One of the best things I have done for myself was to start Botox treatments at an early age. I was 28 years old the first time I did it. I remember I was a resident physician in plastic surgery. I really feel that it has helped me stay looking younger than my chronological age. I’m a big believer in taking care of my image and physical appearance. I always tell patients: “when you look good, you feel good, and only then you can perform at your maximum potential.”

Dr. Jhonny Salomon | Face & Nose Expert | Miami/Fort Lauderdale

Do your research on any treatment or procedure you are considering having to improve your self-image. Be clear as to what change you are looking for, have realistic expectations, and select your provider carefully.

Dr. Viraj J. Mehta | Eyelid Surgery Expert, Oculoplastic | Maryland

My best advice to patients is to define as clearly as possible what you want fixing. By being specific about what bothers you and what you would like to change, you can open up an honest discussion with your plastic surgeon about which procedures or treatments will actually help. There is no magic treatment or perfect procedure, so being as specific as possible will also help manage expectations. Self-love can only come from within, but the right treatments/procedures can improve confidence and jump-start your journey to self-improvement.

Dr. Daisy Ayim | Body Expert | Houston

Clients seek cosmetic procedures for many reasons to improve their self-image. My advice is to make sure the procedure is your decision and it satisfies your concern(s). The desire to please one’s self selfishly supersedes any other reasons for seeking cosmetic procedures. Yes, do it for you and feel good about yourself.

Dr. Richard Zienowicz | Body Expert | Boston/Providence

Wanting to look and feel younger is different than hoping a procedure will bring back or restore happiness to one’s life – to fill a void. If fitting in clothes because of poor food and exercise choices leads to more weight gain after surgery because we haven’t corrected those choices then our successes will be compromised. We all want surgery to give a lasting boost to the aging problem we have all been dealt with. Making health our reigning priority is essential for that to reliably happen.

Dr. Rafael Emerick Salas | Body Expert | Miami/Fort Lauderdale

I am happy for my patients that we live in a time where people realize that they are responsible for their own happiness, and with that comes doing what makes you feel good, and fighting back the idea that you “shouldn’t want to do this or that” it should be about what makes you happy. I have a lot of patients who come in for a consultation and say “my friends say I don’t need it but I see it and it bothers me.” If it’s something I can improve for them, then I am happy to do so.

That’s the beauty of what we do at Salas Plastic Surgery, I consider my job as helping make people happy by achieving their aesthetic goals which contribute to their positive self-image. So whatever surgery or procedure you’re considering, I’m happy to help you…do it for you.

Dr. Oliver Chang | Brazilian Butt Lift | Miami/Fort Lauderdale

Self-image is defined as the ‘idea of one’s perception of themselves in appearance’ – therefore, it is important to understand how that person sees themselves and what their goals are for improvement. There are multiple surgical and non-surgical ways to improve almost any part of the physical appearance – thus, as a plastic surgeon, I try to provide the best treatment option for that area specific to that person. This is also dictated by what is realistically achievable or not. The success of the end product of improving your self-image is to first, fully understand your native body, and lastly, if the improvement is achievable – that is the strongest predictor to a happy client.

Dr. S. Alexander Earle | Body Expert | Miami/Fort Lauderdale

Yes, based on many factors, however, this has to include the definition of self-image which can greatly differ from person to person. An underrated part of being a plastic surgeon is spent comforting patients on their image during consultation while also post-op conversations about trusting the process of recovery.

Self-Image is your subjective evaluation of your own personal worth. No one else can determine how you feel about yourself and, unfortunately, how we feel about ourselves is often a distortion of reality, which can cause low self-esteem. Many people out there preach the ideology that you should love yourself just the way that you are. While I see where these people are coming from, there is absolutely no shame in wanting to change the way you look. Part of practicing self-love is doing what will make you happy and plastic surgery can definitely help you get there. I have personally experienced this with many of my patients and even family members. It might just be the first step in your overall journey. There are studies that have shown an increase in satisfaction in the specific area of your body following plastic surgery but that does not show an increase in one’s self-image. While it may not be the answer for everyone, it is completely valid and okay if it is the right answer for you.