Real-Life Decision Making
While many cosmetic operations are necessary and worthwhile, some people undergo procedures simply because they want to look or feel better. And some of those operations simply aren't necessary.
A new patient of yours wants just such an operation. And she's no stranger to plastic surgery -- she's had a tummy tuck, a breast enlargement and liposuction on her thighs. Now she wants a major facelift.
She's sitting in your waiting room now because the doctor who performed her previous surgeries has refused to do the facelift. He told her the operation isn't needed -- among his concerns is the fact that she has racked up more than $40,000 in plastic surgery bills in the past five years.
You've agreed to meet with her for an initial consultation. You know some of the background but while speaking to her you realize that she believes that plastic surgery can solve all her problems. She discusses problems with her husband and then says that she believes the marriage will become stronger if she can restore her youthful appearance.
When you delicately raise the issue of her ability to pay for the surgery, she says that she's prepared to sell her car and take out a loan on her house to fund the operations.
You try to dissuade her by explaining that a facelift involves a series of operations over a six-month period, several hospital stays and a long, painful recovery. But she is not moved. She insists that she needs the operation and offers to pay half your fee in advance. What will you do?