Dr. Gina Maccarone, a well-known cosmetic surgeon based in Cincinnati, has recently taken a bold step by undergoing a facelift at the age of 45. In an interview with PEOPLE, she discussed not only her personal journey but also her desire to challenge the stigma associated with cosmetic procedures, particularly facelifts.
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Known as “The Surgeonista,” Dr. Maccarone has dedicated her career to helping others navigate the world of cosmetic enhancement. She explained that, after many years of observation as a surgeon, she felt it was time to address the changes in her own appearance. “It was just always a matter of, ‘What’s the right time?’” she stated, reflecting on her decision. She had been noticing signs of ageing in her lower face and felt the desire to take action before experiencing what she described as a “drastic before and after” transformation.
Dr. Maccarone noted that, having lost weight, she could see changes in her skin that became increasingly evident, especially during Zoom meetings. “I finally just said, ‘Hey, this is bugging me,’” she recalled. With her expertise as a surgeon, Dr. Maccarone knew precisely who to approach for her procedure: she sought out a specialist who performed the deep plane facelift technique, which differs significantly from the traditional methods used in the past.
The older techniques would often only tighten the skin without considering the underlying muscle structure. In contrast, the deep plane facelift works on both the skin and muscle layers, resulting in a much more natural appearance. “I was comforted by the fact that I know that it’s a safe operation and I trusted my surgeon,” she admitted. However, she also acknowledged that even as a medical professional, the inherent risks associated with surgery were a source of anxiety.
Despite the understandable concerns, the surgery was successful, and Dr. Maccarone experienced minimal downtime. Remarkably, she was seeing her patients just four days post-operation. Although she felt physically fit, she recognised that she could have benefited from an extended break to adjust mentally to the changes. Regardless, she quickly returned to her practice, ready to embrace her new look.
Despite Dr. Maccarone’s own positive experience and the growing trend of younger individuals opting for cosmetic surgery, she points out that there remains a pervasive stigma surrounding facelifts. Many people still seem apprehensive about the procedure, viewing it as daunting. “A lot of people are still just kind of wary about it because of this stigma that goes along with it,” she observed, lamenting that the term “facelift” can still evoke fear.
Dr. Maccarone believes that part of this misunderstanding stems from outdated perceptions of cosmetic surgery. She urges a more informed conversation about the recovery process, which she describes as surprisingly manageable. “Honestly, the recovery is a breeze,” she stated, suggesting that younger patients tend to have an easier time and can enjoy their results for longer periods.
Through her own transparency and experience, Dr. Maccarone aims to educate others about cosmetic surgery. She feels that by sharing her journey, she can help demystify the process and encourage more open discussions about it. “I’m really trying to educate people about it,” she expressed, stressing the importance of addressing misconceptions surrounding facelifts.
By speaking openly about her own decision to have surgery, Dr. Maccarone is not only striving to reshape the narrative about facelifts, but she is also encouraging individuals to feel empowered in their choices regarding cosmetic enhancements. In her view, understanding and knowledge are key in diminishing the stigma that still lingers in society regarding these procedures.
In conclusion, Dr. Gina Maccarone’s candid account serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of cosmetic surgery and the need for ongoing education and dialogue. As more professionals like her step forward to share their experiences, it is hoped that the stigma surrounding facelifts and other cosmetic procedures will diminish, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding.