Revenge Surgery? – Post-Divorce Work. How About a Re-boot!

by Dr. Steven Wallach

So I read something on line about Revenge Surgery(?).  It refers to surgery done after a divorce, I suppose to get back at the ex?  Sounds like an interesting concept, and obviously a marketing tool for some preactices, but I would caution anyone just splitting up to do anything too rash.  I have had my share of divorcees come into the office (both male and female) that want to look better to jump back in to the dating world.  They have requested everything you could imagine, from facelifts, eyelid surgery, breast lift/breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, to liposuction.  I have even had some of them crying to me about their relationship (yes, we are also psychiatrists sometimes).  Several times patients have come in after the recent split and have asked for  cosmetic surgery.  While most if not all of them would benefit from the rejuvenating procedures, I have cautioned them to put it on hold until they sorted out their issues.  Often times during the early break-up period there are too many distracting  things going on for them to make a rational informed decision about plastic surgery.  I have told many to come back in a few months once things have settled down for them, and if they still want to move ahead with surgery and they area a good candidate, and they are in the right mind frame ( doing it for themselves), then I am OK with it.  No one should just jump into plastic surgery without thinking it through carefully and rationally.  Instead of revenge I think it should just be a re-boot!