Health Focus is a weekly article in the Lake County News Herald featuring a Q & A with Dr. Vanek.
Q: I have a lady friend who I think would like plastic surgery. Is it appropriate for me to pay for it?
This may be one of the most interesting questions ever asked in this column. From a purely logistic standpoint, we have had people pay for other people’s procedures quite commonly. We treat such patients as we would any others, with a private consultation to determine their vision and goals. Then we explain how we could realistically achieve what they want. After discussing their best action plan, our services begin and payment would be made – generously by someone else, like you, on their behalf.
Moral implications of gifting plastic surgery
I sense you are asking about the moral aspects of your action, which I believe, is entirely personal between the two of you. It is highly dependent on key factors, such as your present and anticipated future relationship, and your financial positions. My recommendation is that you do not give this gift to her without first having a thorough discussion about why you are doing so, including your expectations, if any.
Plastic surgery is a personal issue
You may also be concerned for the sensitivity of suggesting that your friend wants or needs plastic surgery. I strongly advise that you wait until after she talks about wanting it before you approach the topic. Perhaps you may want to get the ball rolling by giving her a gift certificate to our office, which she could use for non-surgical procedures such as facials and massages, or fillers and injectables. Once she visits our office, she may then talk with you about having more involved procedures. Good Luck!
Contact us to set up your own consultation or answer any question you may have.
Dr. Paul Vanek MD, FACS
Vanek Plastic Surgery
9485 Mentor Ave #100
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-5750
