We’ve all been there at one time or another. Maybe it was a coworker casually mentioning how they’d love a quick Botox treatment from Santa this year, or a significant other hinting that they could really use a little holiday pick-me-up from the local med spa. The gift of cosmetic surgery (both invasive and non-invasive) has become more prevalent in recent years as treatment centers continue dropping prices and finding ways to shorten recovery times. But the question has to be asked: is giving the gift of aesthetic alteration a sure-fire way to insult your loved ones?
Los Angeles-based Dr. Richard Fleming has seen an increase in holiday procedures, mostly those with minimal recovery time. His clients selected non-invasive procedures (like fillers, Botox, and chemical peels) in order to look their best on through the holidays.
Similarly, Dr. Michael Shapiro of Vanguard Dermatology in New York City has seen a 25 percent increase in Botox gift-giving and 20 percent for other products, like fillers. The reason: there's a relative feeling of "melancholy" that comes along with the shorter, darker days that accompany the holiday season.
"We're programmed to feel happy and joyful this time of year. Sometimes people will have a procedure to lift their spirits," noted Shapiro.
Sarah Voek - the 28-year-old founder of Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Heel Your Sole – bought herself Botox injections from Vanguard and had such a positive experience that she decided to give the same gift to her sister. However, Voek sees the issue with receiving cosmetic enhancements as gift from a significant other or loved one.
"I'd be offended if a man gave it to me," she said. "It's like giving a gym membership."
Despite the potential pitfalls, Shapiro stated that it’s actually quite common. “It’s usually a gift from a spouse, or from a son or daughter to a mother.”
If you or someone you know would like more information about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
Dr. Mark Schusterman and Dr. Sanaz Harirchian
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