From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, many adults, especially most women, focus on everyone’s happiness except their own. With the holidays behind us, consider rewarding yourself with the gift of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

“If something about yourself makes you insecure, unhappy or feel bad, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using plastic surgery,” said plastic and reconstructive surgeon Lisa Jacob, MD, of St Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. “Our goal is to make people feel whole again in body and spirit by restoring what they feel is missing in terms of their anatomy. Sometimes the face and body we’re born with aren’t perfect, or injury, illness, or age alters our appearance. We can make it better through surgery.”

Dr. Jacob wanted to be a doctor all her life. During medical school, she completed a medical mission in Brazil. Working with a plastic surgeon, she was amazed by his work fixing wounds. He gave a lecture on restoring the faces of car accident victims, and she was “blown away” by what was possible.

Today, Dr. Jacob especially enjoys reconstructive surgery. She recalled a recent case where a man had bone cancer removed from his leg and received radiation that weakened the bone. It later broke through the skin, became infected and was at risk of amputation until Dr. Jacob performed a limb-saving procedure. She took muscle from the back of his leg and relocated it to cover the wound and strengthen the leg. “I was able to help save his leg and get back to walking. That’s meaningful.”

Similarly, Dr. Jacob finds professional fulfillment in reconstructive breast surgery for cancer patients, but also for patients who want to reduce, enlarge or equalize their breasts.

Christopher Sanders, MD, St. Luke’s Chief of St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery, enjoys body contouring surgery for weight loss patients because it blends both the medical and cosmetic aspects of plastic surgery. Patients who have lost 100-150 pounds often develop rashes and infections from hanging skin. For insurance to cover body contouring, usually patients need to be close to their ideal weight and no longer losing.

“Body contouring surgery is often the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “Afterward, they finally can see themselves in a positive light, often for the first time in their lives. I cherish these patients.”

A favorite patient in her mid-20s lost close to 200 pounds. When she first came to see him, she said she still saw a 300-pound woman when she looked in the mirror. “That was so sad, because she could not see and appreciate the progress she had made, but I could,” Dr. Sanders said. “Now, after surgery, I look forward to seeing her. She has a positive self-image and uses her before and after photos as a reminder of her journey. She’s so happy.”

Dr. Sanders sometimes feels like both a surgeon and a therapist, reassuring patients. “I often tell a woman who has lost 100 pounds that she’s beautiful. Sometimes it’s the first time she’s ever heard that.”

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Alyson Melin, DO, said most patients are looking for an improved version of themselves. “Having gone through the seasons of life, the women and men, we see want to turn back the clock or look more proportional. Rather than a fictitious photoshopped, social media manifestation, our goal as a patient-surgeon team is a natural-looking appearance that builds confidence.”

When considering plastic surgery, Dr. Melin suggests people do a little research and develop a list of questions and concerns. Then, schedule consultations with several surgeons.

“You’re not going to marry someone after the first date. You want to be sure before you commit,” she said. “Similarly, if the surgeon doesn’t take the time to understand your priorities and expectations, they’re probably not going to stand by you. You need a trusting relationship with a surgeon who will follow up and check in with you. What I love about plastic surgery is making a difference in a patient’s life. I also value the connection, where my patient feels comfortable disclosing some of their most personal feelings about their anatomy, physiology, and their personality too. It is incredible gift and privilege.”

To schedule an appointment with a St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon, call 484-526-1260 or visit https://www.slhn.org/plastic-reconstructive/make-an-appointment.