Considering gender when choosing a cosmetic surgeon

When it comes to those more up-close-and personal doctor visits, the issue of gender preference often comes up. But does the same rule apply when choosing a cosmetic surgeon? Sure, some facial procedures, such as face-lifts or lip injections, do not involve disrobing in front of another person anyway. But when it comes to body procedures like liposuction and breast augmentation, feelings come into play. For instance, a women often prefers a female doctor for gynecology exams and mammograms because she may feel uncomfortable laying her most private parts out in front of a member of the opposite sex. This is especially true for some conservative women who are married and feel no men but their husbands should see or touch them naked. Young women also may find they prefer a female doctor because of shyness about their bodies. If these same women look into surgical cosmetic enhancement, they may bring these preferences with them. A consultation exam with a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, liposuction or vaginaoplasty involves not only having those same parts exposed, but also having those parts critiqued and examined closely to find all of their cosmetic defects. It may make no difference to an older woman, who likely grew up in a time when there were only male OB/GYNs to choose from and is used to them anyway. Many people of older generations also have the old-fashioned (albeit sexist) viewpoint than men make better doctors because they are somehow inherently better at science and math. All of their doctors growing up were men, so they feel more secure in a professional man's hands. For whatever reason, a female cosmetic surgeon is much harder to find because the vast majority of doctors in that field are men. Because of this, it would be silly to limit yourself to the handful (if even) of female plastic surgeons in your city. That's not to imply that they are somehow less capable surgeons than men. It just means that there is a much smaller pool of surgeons from which to choose. You are more likely to find the best cosmetic surgeon when you are looking at more people. It is common knowledge that many women go under the knife to try to be more appealing to men. They may even find that they prefer the personal expertise and taste of a (heterosexual) male doctor. If they are still deciding on a particular size, shape or look for their new breasts, thighs or labia, a male doctor could weigh in in a way that a female doctor could not. In the end, sex should not really matter. It is the credentials, experience, past work results and reputation that you should be considering. Always choose a cosmetic surgeon that is board-certified. If you simply cannot imagine having a doctor that does not share all the same parts as you, expand your search to other cities and areas so that you truly can find the best person for the job.