The start of a new year brings a renewal of possibilities, and many people resolve to improve something they don’t like about themselves, such as losing weight or becoming more fit.

Christopher Sanders, MD, of St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, encourages people to also consider aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Sanders, who sees patients in Palmerton, and East Stroudsburg, provides all aspects of plastic surgery, including reconstruction and aesthetics, both surgical and non-surgical.

He is especially interested in microsurgical breast reconstruction and body contouring after massive weight loss. He conducts research in these areas.

“One of the common things you hear about plastic surgery around the New Year is ‘New Year, New You.’ To me, it’s about being the version you want to be. January is always a nice time to reset things and aspire to reach new goals – a good time to invest in yourself,” he said.

In addition, in winter, there are fewer social events, and you cover up because of the cold weather. Having aesthetic surgery now allows time to heal in time for warmer spring and summer weather.

Dr. Sanders encourages people to consider plastic surgery as investing in confidence building and self-love.

“One of the misconceptions I dislike about plastic surgery is that it’s all about vanity,” he said. “Most of the time, patients see me about something they’re self-conscious about or bothers them, and that’s not vanity.

“Plastic surgery is often tied to wellness or people wanting to live a healthier lifestyle and, by extension, a more enjoyable lifestyle.”

While some procedures have relatively quick results, for others, it may take more time to see the final outcome, he said.

Dr. Sanders advises anyone interested in aesthetic surgery but still on the fence to do their homework, find out who has a good reputation, and then schedule consults with one or more surgeons.

“The success of the surgery is based just as much on what happens in the consultation room as the operating room,” he said. “If explaining the surgery helps someone to decide to get surgery, that’s great. If it helps them decide not to get surgery, that’s just as much of a success.

“You never want a person who is unsure about it to enter surgery. You want them to enter from a good mindset and be knowledgeable and comfortable about their decision.”

Dr. Sanders loves working in Palmerton and East Stroudsburg. Growing up in Pottsville, his family often had to leave the immediate area to get specialty services.

The type of patients he sees are similar to those he’s cared for in urban areas, such as body contouring and breast reconstruction. But he also treats skin cancers and provides reconstructive surgery for such things as hunting and ATV accidents.

“It’s easy to be a plastic surgeon in New York or Philadelphia, but I’m from Pottsville and have always been more comfortable in the small-town setting,” he said. “Being able to provide services that you don’t usually see in underserved areas like the Palmertons and Pottsvilles of the world means a lot to me. And I’m doing the full scope of plastic surgery without missing a beat. That is what’s most fulfilling about it.”

For instance, there was a patient involved in a severe motorcycle accident. The active man, who was in his mid-30s with a wife and children, was hit from behind.

This caused the bike to spin out, crushing his leg and putting him at risk of losing it. But then, St. Luke’s orthopedic surgeons repaired the bones. Dr. Sanders helped restore the soft tissue surrounding the bones and saved the leg together. Recently, Dr. Sanders saw him walking in the hospital.

“He had a tear in his eye. I had a tear in my eye,” he said. “It was a long road, but he has done very well. We always say plastic surgery is the specialty of form and function. So, when someone is on the precipice of having the way they interact with the world turn completely upside down, and through surgery, we can help that patient move closer to normal function and away from a disability, that’s very rewarding.”

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanders, call 484-526-1260.