Moving On with Plastic Surgery: Jacksonville Surgeons Encourage, but Caution

Jacksonville plastic surgeons Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia say a divorce or breakup of a long-term relationship, childbirth or a child leaving home for college, a job loss or a move to a new city all are frequent contributing factors in the decision to undergo facial plastic surgery.

"A life change, whether excruciating or exhilarating, very often brings about a desire to change one's looks," says Dr. Phillip Garcia. "What better way to start a new life than with a new look?"

When a plastic surgery overhaul follows a divorce or breakup, it's often called "revenge plastic surgery." Jacksonville's Drs. Garcia caution the use of that term, preferring to call it "moving-on surgery." And some colleagues say that approach is spot on. Medical professionals are increasingly convinced that depression may be alleviated with injections of Botox.

Botox smoothes wrinkles by delivering neurotoxins that block the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. Depending on the amount of Botox injected, a patient may have trouble frowning or may not be able to frown at all. Since facial expressions are strongly linked to emotions, frowning less may contribute to feeling happier, some say. Many note that frowning less may cause others to respond to a person more positively, fueling feelings of ease.

"There are so many ways to treat depression and of course the mainstay is antidepressants," psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal of Capital Clinical Research Associates told reporters recently. "Often times these are insufficient. There are still some people left feeling depressed. So we really do need novel, innovative ways to treat depressed people."

"Of course, clinical depression should be addressed by doctors who specialize in depression treatment," says Dr. Roberto Garcia. "No one should ever attempt to treat or get treated for real depression with plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures. That said, the proven improvement in a patient's self confidence, self esteem and level of happiness after a well-performed plastic surgery can be an effective part of a comprehensive approach to a better, happier lifestyle."

If you're considering plastic surgery, Jacksonville's Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can help you determine the right approach for you based upon your lifestyle, goals and expectations. Call 904-247-8522.