South Carolina Plastic Surgeon, I have been asked numerous times why is it called plastic surgery. The Greek word plastiko means to mold, shape or change form. There is no time of the year where this term is more relevant than now. After all, that is the whole point of a New Year’s resolution, to make a change, to change your current form or to take on a whole new form.

1. South Carolina Plastic Surgeon Changing Your Form
South Carolina Plastic Surgeon, I have been asked numerous times why is it called plastic
surgery. The Greek word plastiko means to mold, shape or change form. There is no time of the
year where this term is more relevant than now. After all, that is the whole point of a New Year’s
resolution, to make a change, to change your current form or to take on a whole new form.
Unfortunately, about eight percent of those attempting to make a change will be successful.
South Carolina Plastic Surgeon Changing Your Form
As a South Carolina Plastic Surgeon, I have the opportunity to hear firsthand what patients
would like to change and why. In addition, I often get to see the response of their spouse or
significant other at the thought of a change. Ironically, family members almost uniformly tell the
patient they “look perfect the way they are.” More amazing is the visible guilt and uneasiness
most patients feel for even considering investing in themselves.
As a South Carolina Plastic Surgeon Clinic, I have had many patients, particularly women with
children, say, “I am being so selfish for even considering investing time and money in myself.”
Knowing that you deserve and are worth that investment is crucial to long-term success, in terms
of plastic surgery or taking time out of the day to exercise. It is the simple realization that by
investing time and effort in yourself you are allowing everyone around you to benefit. The
healthier you are, the more active you are, the more comfortable and confident you are, the better
mother, wife, father, husband or friend you will be.
South Carolina Plastic Surgeon, Dennis K. Schimpf, MD, so how do you succeed in 2014?
1. Set realistic goals. If you’re going to start exercising, start with twice a week for a month
followed by three times a week for a month until you get in a routine. Thinking you will
go from exercising once a month to six times a week starting Jan. 1 is not reasonable.
You will only be disappointed and discouraged.
2. Be proud of any success or improvement you make no matter how small. Don’t dwell on
what you did wrong or could have done better. Slow, steady progress will lead to longterm, sustainable changes in things like diet, exercise and over all lifestyle.
3. Document your goals, progress and mistakes on a daily basis. Writing things down makes
them real and holds you accountable. If attempting to eat better, write down everything
you eat for the day on a note card. Reviewing the cards on a nightly basis will allow you
to identify areas in which you can improve.
4. Share your goals with those around you. They will not only support you but also hold you
accountable. It’s one thing to let yourself down, it’s a whole other thing to let those down
you love most.

2. 5. Loose the guilt. Wanting to improve your appearance through exercise, diet or even
plastic surgery is a personal decision, one no one should feel guilty about making.
As a South Carolina Plastic Surgeon, I often ask patients during their initial consultation, what
their goal is in pursuing plastic surgery. The answer is virtually never, to look like a super model
or famous sex symbol. But, rather they simply want to feel comfortable in a certain sundress or
confident in a swim suit at the beach. Their goal is to put an end to feeling self-conscious,
ashamed or embarrassed about their appearance. Anyone can achieve this goal with dedication,
hard work and determination.
So make 2014 the year you lose the guilt, identify a realistic goal and undergo a change in
form—You deserve it.
Best of luck!
Dennis K. Schimpf, MD, MBA, FACS is double board certified by the American Board of
Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, in addition to being an active member of the
American Society of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In May
of 2013, he completed an MBA degree at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School
of Business, with a concentration in International Business. Previously a full-time faculty
member at the Medical University of South Carolina, he is now in private practice in
Summerville, SC. For more information on South Carolina Plastic Surgeon Dennis K. Schimpf,
MD’s practice, visit his website at www.sweetgrassplasticsurgery.com.