(FYI this is a repost) Good morning! I'm sure I've piqued your interest with the title of the blog today. BAD actually stands for Breakfast at Wimbledon, which I am watching as I write this. The men's finals of the Wimbledon Championship is actually one of my favorite sporting events each year and typically starts around 9 am Sunday morning, the week following the July 4th holiday. This year's matchup between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios is an interesting one. Kyrgios received a walkover in the semi-finals against Rafael Nadal, who withdrew due to an abdominal muscle injury. Kyrgios has made headlines this tourney due to his antics and unpredictable behavior (I think I being gracious with this description). Kyrgios, despite the antics, is an amazing athlete but one who has also admitted to mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts. Last year, Naomi Osaka, a top female pro, made headlines with her withdrawal from the French Open over anxiety and depression issues. These mental health admissions exemplify the extent of the mental health crisis I believe we are facing, as manifested by the recent mass shooting as well as the drug abuse and overdose rates.
BAD also happens to be the name of an iconic song by U2. The lyrics are actually about drug addiction. The widespread drug abuse is taking a serious toll on our society, especially our youth. The addiction crisis is being made even worse by the tainting of drugs with fentanyl, a drug used for anesthesia. Drugs ranging from marijuana to cocaine are being laced with fentanyl, as are counterfeit prescription pills such as illegally obtained, street Adderall, which led to the death of several Ohio State students during exams this spring. Sadly, until we focus more efforts on the mental health needs in our country, only made worse by the stressors created by Covid and the lockdowns, I fear that these recent tragedies will continue.
In plastic surgery, we sometimes see the manifestation of mental health issues when people seek plastic surgery for the wrong reasons. A plastic surgery procedure cannot get you a new job, more friends, or a new significant other or spouse. The hope is that it can enhance your appearance, rejuvenate your look, or help reconstruct a deformity acquired from trauma, cancer, or birth. When unrealistic expectations are placed on a procedure, dissatisfaction, and depression can ensue even when the surgery is successful. Since there are no guarantees with surgery, these negative feelings are only made worse if complications arise, which unfortunately can happen. And as a side note, I have seen some patients recently who have requested an evaluation of their complications after undergoing surgery performed by "non-surgeons." Sad to say, but it is true. So, please help spread the word about the importance of using a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)! While plastic surgery is a wonderful tool to invigorate your appearance, I think Clint Eastwood gave great advice to Toby Keith when asked how to stay young. Clint responded, "Don't Let the Old Man In," which became the name of the hit song used in the movie, The Mule. At the end of the day, the old adage reigns true that youth and beauty come from within!
I hope everyone has a great week.
'Til next time,
Heidi Williams, MD