Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
Body image dysmorphia is real and can affect any person at any age. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association, 1 in 50 Americans must deal with “persistent and intrusive preoccupations with an imagined or slight defect in one’s appearance.”
Some experts blame social media and celebrity culture with unrealistic “perfect measures” and suddenly changing beauty trends. Other experts, such as Dr. Jerry Chidester, are not playing the blame game but bringing solutions to the table, and that solution sometimes comes in the form of plastic surgery.
“Plastic surgery has been stigmatized for a long time and blamed for the appearance of unrealistic beauty standards. Today’s culprit is social media and photoshop,” he says. “Still, no matter the cause, there are people who need help to feel better about themselves.”
With over two decades of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Jerry Chidester has helped countless patients look and feel their best. His passion for excellence and dedication to providing exceptional results that last have earned him a sterling reputation in the medical community and among his many satisfied clients. And with an impressive commitment to professional and ethical standards of care, Dr. Chidester takes pride in giving his patients customized treatments to suit each individual’s needs.
As Dr. Chidester explains, he didn’t become a doctor because of money and fame but to bring a positive change in the world, even one patient at a time. (spoiler: it’s not!) Dr. Chidester believes everyone deserves to live better and happier lives and feel good in their skin and about themselves.
He speaks from experience when he says plastic surgery’s benefits extend beyond physical appearance and mental health. Post-surgery patients have experienced improved self-esteem and feelings of acceptance within themselves and by those around them.
Furthermore, they may be more likely to engage in exercise, healthy eating habits, and other lifestyle changes that promote better physical health. Such activities lead to a healthier lifestyle that could reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
However, he explains there are many other ways to relieve BDD issues – therapy, consultations, surrounding themselves with body-positive people, etc. – and that plastic surgery should be used as a last resort. With that in mind, Dr. Chidester points out that he turned patients away countless times because he felt they were making an impulsive decision.
“When patients come to my practice asking for help with their body image issues, they can’t ask for and get Kylie Jenner’s nose or Kim Kardashian’s buttocks. Plastic surgery isn’t something you can take back after it’s done – you are not buying a car but permanently changing your appearance.”
His words emphasize the importance of being mindful when considering corrective surgery; taking time to explore all your options before making a decision can help ensure that you will receive the desired results without regretting them later on down the road.
“I sit with my patients, at times, for hours, discussing their wants and goals,” he adds. “We take everything step-by-step, go deep into the root of the cause, and find the best aesthetic solution for them. My goal is to ensure no one is coming to my door just to leave feeling worse mentally and physically than before.”
